Letters: Current supervisors serve county well, deserve support

Recent diversified political opinions and endorsements range from substantiated facts to erroneous information and personal agendas to outright character assassination. For a country that was founded on freedom of speech and differences of opinion, it appears these rights are at least one-sided. Although the writers are assuredly comfortable with these rights they do not feel that incumbent board members should openly express an opinion that is different than theirs.

We should be thankful that we have a board member with a defined foundation and ethical character as Martha McClure. She diligently prepares for meetings and often asks difficult, and sometimes unpopular, insightful questions which insures fundamental fairness for all county residents. Issues vary and our political philosophy often differs, but I have always found Martha respectful, willing to discuss issues and do additional research if the point has merit.

David Finigan has grown substantially in his leadership role and likewise is dedicated to the youth. His networking and appointment as the chairman of the Regional Council of Rural Counties has allowed him exceptional access to the Sacramento power base and has already produced dividends to this county during the state fiscal crisis.

Leslie McNamer has openly acknowledged her initial limited government experience. But she is approachable on issues and will continue to grow. She now has the foundation and is active in the community.

For those that believe that the community is not growing and improving, I feel sorry for them for they obviously suffer a visual malady. Likewise it appears they do not attend or participate in the Board of Supervisors/City Council Meetings or any of the other numerous committee/commission meetings. For the first time in my 18 years of residence, we have a Board of Supervisors and City Council that actually meet, openly discuss and resolve issues together. Their cooperative effort to streamline government, maximize the taxpayers' dollars and share ideals in general, is a phenomenal change. This working relationship did not easily occur, and needs to be maintained.

There is so much good happening, it is difficult to put much credibility to the recent spurious allegations. Especially when you review our growth and development in the last 10 years. We need to encourage this growth and betterment of the community but not without due diligence and a master plan. The current board members have served us well and deserve our support.

Paul J. Dillard

Crescent City