Letter: Politicians of all stripes agree to work on your programs

A really nice thing happened on Feb. 9 in Marysville.

It happened at Congressman John Garamendi's town hall meeting. After most of the citizens had a chance to pose questions to the congressman, and the talk had turned to improving the opportunities for the youth of Yuba-Sutter, a man spoke up from the audience.

It was Tej Maan, a Yuba City City councilman. He thanked the congressman for his words of support, but made the point that the challenge is not really a federal one, or even one for the state. Rather, it will require a coordinated effort primarily from leaders of our local communities — churches, schools, civic groups and local government.

It will require cooperation of Republicans, Democrats and independents, he told the assembly.

Garamendi agreed, and offered whatever assistance he might be able to offer.

And then the really nice thing happened. Other civic leaders in the audience chimed in their agreement, including both Republican and Democrat city and county officials from both sides of the river. These folks, from different jurisdictions and different political parties, were unanimous in their pledge to work together. And that was the really nice thing.

Maybe it will start a trend.

Richard Cray

Yuba City