Letters: Mayor Tynes compares favorably to Mayor Palin

Interesting points have been made by my two old friends, Steve Yarbrough and Bob Berkowitz, in recent letters to the editor. The debate centers on the selection of Sarah Palin to be the Republican vice presidential nominee, and comparing her experience with Crescent City's mayor, Irene Tynes.

In my humble opinion, Ms. Tynes would be a wonderful vice presidential candidate, especially when compared to Ms. Palin's record as mayor of her small town.

Mayor Tynes has not raised the tax rate on local citizens; Mayor Palin left residents of her hometown with a $1.6 million bill after a botched land acquisition for a new sports arena, then raised taxes as governor as well.

Mayor Tynes has not forced city employees to resign if they did not support her proposals 100 percent, as Mayor Palin did.

Mayor Tynes has not made inquiries to the local library about banning certain books. Mayor Palin did, but was fortunately rebuffed by the librarian.

Mayor Tynes will take questions from citizens/journalists. Mayor Tynes never supported the "Bridge to Nowhere." Mayor Tynes has not used her position to try to get a former brother-in-law fired.

It would appear that Irene Tynes is a far, far better candidate for the job than the current GOP nominee, and I would like to join Steve, Bob and a growing segment of the population who support the Draft Tynes movement! (Cue patriotic music.)

Of course, this entire discussion is ridiculous; the real question is one of judgment by the presidential nominees. Selecting who would be a heartbeat away from being the most powerful person on the planet is not a decision that should be made lightly, nor made for strictly political gain. In my humble opinion, Sen. McCain's choice of Gov. Palin speaks volumes about how he would handle crucial decisions should he be elected president.

But let's give the McCain the credit he deserves ... at least he didn't pick Bob Berkowitz ... or Steve Yarbrough. Or me.

John W. Pritchett

Crescent City