Letters to the Editor Oct. 19, 2010

Government experience qualifies Clinton Schaad

First off I would like to commend and acknowledge anyone who runs for office. I believe that it takes a special kind of person to put themselves out there for the world to judge, and the dedication that I have seen by many of our candidates is astounding.

This letter is in support of Clinton Schaad for county auditor. I have recently read ads that I believe to be very misleading. I commend Mr. Leighton for his past experience, but his experience is not applicable to the position of county auditor/controller, whereas Clinton Schaad’s experience absolutely is. He has worked within government finance for many years dealing with our very own county finances pertaining to daily operations and long-term planning, and has been a strong advocate for collecting monies owed to our county by the state.

Mr. Schaad has not only been a huge asset to our community but shows a dedication and love for our community that cannot be matched. In addition to being the financial officer of the Sheriff’s Office he is a coach, parent, lifelong resident , volunteer firefighter and the list goes on. When we elect people like Clinton Schaad our community changes for the better; being a CPA is irrelevant when it comes to government work.

I do believe Clinton Schaad's knowledge of our financial situation outweighs Mr. Leightons by a long shot, considering Mr. Schaad has worked on the front lines of this bleak financial situation for the past seven years.

Mr. Schaad received his bachelor’s in accounting, a minor in economics, along with a certificate in applied finance and economics, not to mention the on-the-job experience with the Sheriff’s Office.

He was also awarded financial officer of the year by the California State Sheriffs Association, balanced the sheriff’s budget in his first year on the job, while being awarded Professional Staff Employee of the year by the law enforcement administrators of Del Norte. What Mr. Schaad has proven is that he is very qualified to hold this position, not only qualified but clearly the right man for the job.

What we have is someone who is a lifelong resident that wants only the best for our community. He is a proven leader and an award-winning government accountant. I hope the community joins me in voting for Clinton Schaad for auditor controller.

Amanda Baptista

Crescent City

Drossel has qualities needed for DA position

The district attorney in any county is responsible for more than just reviewing and prosecuting cases. He must ensure that the needs of the victim are met and balanced with the merits of each case. The DA must also manage the office, make sure budgets are met and ensure that timelines for state and other grants are followed. In fact, missing one grant deadline can easily cost a county tens of thousands of dollars, no small amount for a county the size of Del Norte.

The position of district attorney demands the utmost in prosecutorial skills, management ability, attention to detail and, above all, personal honesty and professional integrity. Having worked with Bob Drossel for a short period of time when he was a prosecutor in Butte County, and then again as one of his employees in the Del Norte DA’s Office, I know Bob has all of these qualities and more. Del Norte County needs and deserves a strong, dependable and honest district attorney. Vote for Bob Drossel for district attorney.

Richard Barton

Paradise, Calif.

Does Alexander think he can shine us on?

I am not writing this letter in support of either district attorney candidate. I am not from the big city like Jon Alexander from New Jersey or Orange County or wherever he is from. I am not college-educated like a successful defense attorney.

Maybe some other Del Norters like me might be thinking the same thing: Can Alexander just come here from SoCal/Jersey and shine us on with big city stunts like spending an insane $80,000 on his campaign to be the most powerful person in law enforcement and expect us to wonder if he really kicked the behavior underlying his addiction to meth?

His running for DA looks like an obsession. He sounds like he will say anything to become DA. Riding a horse in the Fourth of July Parade? Come on! Are we really that stupid?

When I see big city games being played here, maybe I am just a dumb person from DN. This guy from SoCal, New Jersey or wherever he is from cannot buy my vote. Remember, it’s not the size of the sign that counts.

Dylan Brown

Crescent City

Variety of experiences recommends Martin

We are fortunate indeed to have Calie (California) Martin as a candidate for the District 5 School Board member. Calie has all the qualifications and life experience to make a positive impact on the schools in Del Norte County.

Calie has a varied work experience. Calie worked as a deputy probation officer in Los Angeles for eight years, she has been a legal assistant, and her 23 years of teaching at Del Norte High has kept her in the vanguard of education and youth of our community. Calie and her family have made Del Norte County home. Her four children were raised here. Her longtime involvement in family, community, and career has shown her ability for leadership with integrity, honesty and forthrightness.

Calie has the time and energy it takes to be a good and effective School Board member. Her family is grown, she is retired. She has the time, the education, the life experience; she has the know-how, she is a proven leader, she is a listener and has the ability to analyze and problem solve. She does her homework. When Calie makes a decision, or gives an opinion, be assured it has been well researched and all things considered.

This School Board election is all about the education of our children. It is about family, it’s about our tax dollars, it is about educating our children. Vote for Calie and be assured your voice will be heard. Vote for Calie Martin to represent you. And remember, this election is county-wide, so no matter where you live in Del Norte County, you can vote for Calie Martin, School Board candidate for District 5.

Liz Freeman

 Crescent City

Schaad has community, family commitment

I am writing in support of Clinton Schaad for the position of Del Norte County auditor/controller.

I met Clinton Schaad when I moved to this community in 2001 from Southern California. I found Clinton to be an honest, caring and dedicated family man. A man that was dedicated to bringing up his family as he was, in a great little place called Crescent City.

He is as dedicated to his community as he is his family. I serve with Clint on the Crescent City Fire Department; I have seen him risk his own life for people in this community for nothing more than the satisfaction of helping others. Whether it is house fires, medical calls or vehicle accidents, Clinton is always there to lend his support and experience he has gained with the Fire Department.

Now as a fellow fire captain, Clinton not only performs as an experienced firefighter, he uses the knowledge he has gained over the years to teach the new, inexperienced firefighters so they too can serve our community. As a volunteer, he does this all on his own time, for no compensation other than the peace of mind that there are now more people to help their community.

Clinton also volunteers his time teaching the youth of our community. Clinton serves as a wrestling coach for Del Norte High School. I have seen personally how he pushes academics to achieve athleticism. He teaches these young people to reach their goals, and to do it ethically. I know this because I first met Clinton when I went to watch my son wrestle for the high school. I owe a lot to Clinton Schaad for the fine young man my son has turned out to be.

Clinton cares about Del Norte County and has proven it year after year. The experience and dedication Clinton brings to the table cannot be matched by his opponent. Clinton has my vote, and for the county’s sake, I hope he has yours.

Michael Knight

Crescent City

Supervisors wrong to endorse Prop 21 fees

I am very disappointed in our supervisors voting to back this Proposition 21. Those of us who have lived here many years, remember quite well when the Redwood National Park became part of our lives, whether we wanted it or not.

Now with this Prop 21, we are asked to “cough up” another $18 in license fees to help the parks and allow free admittance.

Enough is enough! Attracting tourists is good, but what about those of us who live here year round and spend our money? It’s about time to get the sequence in order. The people of Del Norte County gave plenty already. That's my opinion!

Lois Fraedrick

Smith River

McCollum has passion for campus community

As a recent graduate of the Del Norte campus of College of the Redwoods, I would like to attest that Stephen McCollum is the right man to represent Del Norte County on the CR Board of Trustees.

I have known Stephen as a hard-working, caring, and thoughtful individual who cares about the college, faculty and students. Maintenance may be his primary job, but he really loves to help students succeed and to make the experience as inviting as possible.

Over the past five years, Stephen has never failed to amaze me with his passion for the campus community. I saw him in various situations, and he gives it his all and then some. He is always out talking with people and moving around campus, and this gives him the knowledge and skills related to the Crescent City campus that the Board of Trustees is looking for. He has a get-it-done, positive attitude.

Stephen has a good working knowledge of all aspects of the local campus including the needs of students, staff, and the community. In fact, I learned valuable information not only from my classes, but from Stephen as well. In addition, Stephen was one of the first people I met when I began at CR, and his warmness, friendliness, passion, and positive attitude made me feel at home and made the transition into school life easier.

Stephen can provide the fresh representation that Del Norte County needs for its CR campus. He will go beyond the call of duty and go the extra mile. I appreciate the hard work Rick Bennett has offered the college, but the campus needs to have a new perspective working for it. I can attest that Stephen McCollum will fight for the citizens of this county to improve and give them the greatest possible college education available. I ask as you go to the polls this November that you consider Stephen McCollum for the position of CR board of trustee.

Ben Peters

Rohnert Park, Calif.

Toothpaste ought to be all the fluoride we need

On the fluoride debate: Doesn’t almost every toothpaste have fluoride in it?

The water district could save money by not having to purchase the additive and we wouldn’t have to drink it, but still have protection when we brush our teeth.

Steven Butler

Crescent City