November 8, 2022 - This is a response to a recent letter regarding our Congressman, Tom McClintock.  It was quite evident the author was not versed on Congressman McClintock’s activities and interaction with Mariposa County regarding our recent Oak fire.

Tom McClintock does not support the corrupt practice of earmarks.  What he does support is helping our local communities and apply and advocate for grants to the Federal government. This is how appropriations like that should be dealt with.  They compete with the needs and wants of local communities all across the country and the federal agency in charge would make the decision on how and when to send the assistance based on need and urgency.

On doing things for Mariposa County.  Congressman McClintock advocated to stop the entry fee hike to Yosemite, to keep the Park open during Government shutdown under Trump, to put fires out immediately, to keep Hwy 140 and Hwy 41 open into the Park, to connect the World Central Kitchen to the Oak fire evacuation camp this summer and connected with SBA to assist Oak fire survivors.

Tom also met with the local, state and Federal program managers at the Local Assistance Center at the High School during the Oak Fire to learn about all the resources available to those impacted. He helped Mariposa county get FEMA reimbursement after the 2017 floods destroyed many of Mariposa’s roads and bridges.

Let’s be fair and give credit where it is due. We are very fortunate to be represented by Congressman McClintock.

Ruth Sellers
Mariposa, CA

Related: Letter to the Editor - It’s Time for Congressman Tom McClintock to Go, Vote Him Out