As the 2008 campaign season was drawing to a close, the number of negative, attack advertisements from a host of candidates increased. There are plenty of people -- myself included -- who are turned off by these types of advertising. I can’t speak for others, but I find them to be hateful and full of half truths.

I’m confused by those who cry foul about this type of advertising, but have no problem using the same attack mentality on Web comments and letters to the editor. You only need to browse through comments on this Web site to see examples that are far worse than any political campaign sent out.

Sure, we will continue to post comments that included negativity. We also will continue to reject comments that appear to be attacks on others who make comments. But trying thinking about this before typing: Would I say that to my mother? If not, maybe the comment shouldn’t be made.

I’ve read a lot of comments recently about efforts to revitalize downtown Fremont. One of the city council’s committees recently agreed to spend money to fund a study on returning to two-way streets downtown. Fremont’s budget also has about $550,000 set aside for downtown improvements.
Many of those who comment suggest using tax money for downtown improvements is a handout to business owners. Some even suggest the money is going directly into the pockets of business owners.
What a crock.
Yes, downtown businesses may benefit from two-way streets and better sidewalks and lighting. If they do, that means more sales tax dollars for the city, which could be used to fix streets in other parts of the city or hire additional police officers or firefighters.
But to suggest business owners are lining up to collect a government check is simply wrong. Downtown businesses provide jobs for many people and sales tax revenue for the city. In return, they get little support from Fremont’s city government. It is past the time for Fremont to invest in its downtown.

Two downtown Fremont bars aren’t waiting until next June to prepare for smoke-free environments. Both the Corner Bar and Doe’s Place are planning to have beer gardens attached to their establishments so patrons can continue to smoke while having a cold one. I’m not sure what those beer gardens will feel like on a January night, but at least customers still have that option.
I don’t smoke, and I prefer going to places that are smoke free. But I also prefer government place as few regulations as necessary on businesses. While I’ll enjoy the smoke-free environments, I still think it should be a business owner’s decision.
Still, I think it’s good that at least two businesses are thinking ahead.

Fremont Public Schools officials have been very open about the desire to prepare the district to serve 5,400 students, which is about 800 more than the current enrollment. To do that, they say, additions need to be made to Clarmar and Linden elementary schools and the high school and a new fifth- and sixth-grade only building needs to be constructed. That will create additional classroom space at every elementary school, the middle school and the high school.

Eventually, voters in the school district -- it covers more than just the city of Fremont -- will be asked to approve a "no levy increase" bond referendum. Basically, homeowners will be asked to continue paying 21 cents per $100 of assessed valuation for a set number of years beyond what was approved in 2000. That will allow additional bonds to be purchased to finance the proposed projects.

Before we begin to debate whether any of these projects are necessary, I believe it's important we learn more about what is planned. Our first opportunity to see the scope of the entire project is 6:30 p.m. Monday in the board room of the Main Street Edcuation and Administration Building, 130 E. Ninth St.

In the past, attendance at school board meetings has been horrible. Besides district staff, a few teachers and a representative of the PTA, no one attends these public meetings. Monday would be a great time to see plans and ask questions. (Yes, we'll be covering the meeting and provide details if you can't make it.)

I like summer festivals. As a kid, I couldn’t wait for my community’s annual Fourth of July celebration. Looking back, it probably didn’t offer much -- a few vendors, a couple of food booths, a street dance (actually, it was held on the tennis courts), a parade and fireworks. As I said, it wasn’t much, but it offered a chance for a community of 1,500 people to come together.
Maybe that’s why I’m looking forward to the 22nd annual John C. Fremont Days. I can’t wait to bump into people I only see a few times each year and say hello. I can’t wait to stroll through the antique show on Sixth Street. And I’m really looking forward to sampling food you can only find at festivals.
Sure, there are those who will complain about the three-day festival. They call it boring. They call it a waste of money. They say it hasn’t changed in years.
Maybe it is boring for certain individuals. I’m not certain how, considering the hundreds of activities available throughout the weekend (most of which are free, by the way). Maybe it is a waste of money. Yes, there are tax dollars involved when you consider public parks are used, extra police officers are on duty and the amount of work done by city employees. But the bulk of the entertainment of other costs are paid for through donations. So, it’s pretty obvious many businesses in town don’t see this as a waste of money. And, yes, there are many of the same events each year. But isn’t it comforting to know you can grab a piece of pie at the Pie Parlor or see Little Miss Fremont crowned?
As I said earlier, I’m looking forward to John C. Fremont Days. There are certain parts I don’t enjoy, so I won’t be going to those. But there are plenty of others that I’m going to enjoy. I hope you do, too.