Letters to the Editor Oct. 30, 2010

Bennett a key player in locals’ professional accomplishments

I wish to thank Rick Bennett and a few visionaries who molded the idea of the Del Norte Branch of College of the Redwoods into fruition.

When I came to this community in 1978, our economy was based on working our land and waterways with primarily fishing, logging, farming and ranching. Education for professions was not a priority and many fought hard against it.

This became evident in 1979 (circa) when a special election included the building of a California State University here and was almost unanimously turned down. Because of Rick’s work, we at least had a struggling College of the “Fairgrounds,” as we called it, because we used the fairgrounds and the hospital and any facilities our community would volunteer. (Our cadaver for medical training was literally housed at Red’s Body Shop.)

Rick’s vision and sweat achieved centralizing our college to its current facility next to the high school. Since education by nature is not stagnant, the facility that serves it cannot be stagnant. Rick has helped our little college come a long way. I believe he has the vision and ability to continue this upward thrust.

Those of you who hold professional certifications without having to leave home to achieve it may want to likewise thank Rick. Especially those of you in nursing, computer sciences, child development and many other occupations that helped you achieve a better lifestyle while staying home may wish to reflect on what made that possible. A key player in your professional accomplishments is Rick.

Linda Athey

Klamath

Media focus on Fiorina in hospital biased, infuriating

Some things one reads in the paper are so great, like Inez Castor’s column. It’s always a treat, just like Jay Chernak’s letter. That letter was a masterpiece of graciousness, assuming that lowlife political tricks might not only be targeting the Rep­ub­licans but the Democrats as well.

I should have stopped reading while I was feeling good about the human race. But then I see mean-spirited, totally unprovoked comments by those who just blindly hate the other party. It sets my blood off on a trip.

A recent article really caps it. “Fiorina’s time off likely hurts more than helps” Can you believe that? She was in the hospital with complications from breast cancer reconstructive surgery for heaven’s sake!

And the first sentence reads, “For 48 hours, Republican Carly Fiorina’s message was less about why she should be California’s next U.S. Senator and more about her health.” It goes on, “And at this late stage ... it could cost her at the polls.”

Well you know what you little blood-thirsty hack at the Associated Press? A lot of us out here in the boonies are sick and tired of your one-sided representation of the American public. I’ll just bet that a lot of women and men who are cancer survivors like Carly Fiorina are voting for her.

If the referenced article made anyone else angry, please read Eli Wiesel’s book, “Night.” If many events in the past year have not startled/infuriated/

upset you, what on earth is it going to take? “Time off,” indeed!

Yours for unbiased reporting and treating people with kindness and respect regardless of what party they belong to.

Bettie Belitz

Crescent City

Bennett has shown he is diligent, caring member of any group

I first met Rick Bennett when I moved to Crescent City and took an art history class from him. Since then, I have worked with Rick on The Wildflower Festival and in the Del Norte Historical Museum as a volunteer.

In both of these endeavors, Rick has shown me that he is a diligent, caring member of any group. He always goes the extra mile to take on more responsibilities but never ignores what other people do. He is grateful for any help, but will do it alone if he has to. These impressive qualities have shown me how hard he must work as a trustee for the College of the Redwoods.

Education has always been a passion for Rick and because of him, our third-graders have learned about the wildflowers in our area. They run to us to tell us which wildflowers they recognize! We are lucky to have such a distinguished educator for our college.

Patty Brunsing

Crescent City

Who can Alexander prosecute if he’s defended so many suspects?

During a recent Humboldt League of Women Voters forum on KEET-TV, on a question regarding “prosecution conflict of interest,” Jon Alexander stated that he strictly considered any client he previously represented, as a defense attorney, would be a conflict for him as a district attorney.

Although he didn’t address it, it would likewise be a conflict for any deputy DA in the office because they are supervised and accountable to Alexander if he was elected. Therefore these cases would have to be referred to the state Attorney General’s Office for prosecution.

When you consider that Alexander repeatedly claims that he has the highest public defender caseload (137) in the county for the past five years, who is he going to be able to prosecute? I can assure you due to time, distance and expense, the AG is not going to aggressively prosecute Del Norte cases. Plea-bargaining will not be the issue; no filing of criminal complaint is more likely.

After 42 years of working in and with the criminal justice system, I support Robert Drossel for district attorney. Although he is not a politician, he is a frugal, quiet, dedicated, experienced prosecutor. Drossel has an exemplary background and will restore integrity, fairness and leadership to the DA’s Office.

Paul J. Dillard

Crescent City

Throw bums out: Put Hawkins, England and McArthur on board

Americans face an election next Tuesday that is vastly more important than just an election between candidates; it is an election that will find us choosing between competing ideologies. 

The traditional American way of life of rugged individualism has recently given way to the European welfare state. The concern is so high that 12,500 people have registered to vote in a county of only 23,000 people, more than ever before in Del Norte. 

We have the opportunity Tuesday to check the power of a runaway government. The kink in this system is the bewilderment that befuddles you when choosing who to vote for. Humans tend to like comfort and not change, therefore we tend to vote for the known even though it ultimately hurts our democracy because as time passes politicians accumulate power and are corrupted.

As far as our local School Board election is concerned, I believe I can help you make choices that will strongly benefit our schools and community. I am a 20-year veteran teacher who knows and has served with many of the candidates and incumbents. I would appreciate, and I believe the vast majority of my colleagues would agree, a clean sweep.

Put people on the board who have integrity, vision and the courage to stand up to an administration that bullies and who would be a voice for our teachers and our children. Pat Hawkins, Jennifer England and Donald McArthur are the people who will do just that.

I know Pat Hawkins well. He is my best friend. He is a principled man of his word who will do the right thing even if it is at his own expense. He serves on three boards of directors and is admired for his wisdom. Jennifer England I too know well and I know that her entire life has been involved in serving people, parents and children alike. Both will be very active board members you can count on.

Donald MacArthur is an educator and is running against an entrenched incumbent, Bob Berkowitz. Just ask yourself, “Is this school district in better shape than it was 12 years ago?” Please vote. Vote for our future, vote for the people who will unflinchingly give your kids a chance at a brighter future. Throw the bums out.

Garry Gatti

 Crescent City

Schaad has the values to get auditor/controller job done

Who is Clinton Schaad? For those of you who don’t know, if I had a list of favorite people this man would absolutely be near the top.

When you think about values and someone that can get the job done, Clinton is definitely it. He is a motivator in the wrestling room, and life in general. He is a man that always gives more than he takes.

Many would be surprised to know the amount of money Clinton spends out of his own pocket for our high school wrestling team every year. He has been committed to helping better the children in our community by teaching them the principles of hard work and never quitting.

Clinton is proud to call Del Norte home. I am sure he could make more money doing the same job elsewhere, but that is not what satisfies him. Giving back to the community he and his family love dearly is what is important. He is not a mudslinger and would rather stand on his own reputation and credibility.

I see a hopeful future for our county by electing people with those attributes. Clinton, I am certain that not only because of your values and selflessness in our community, but also because of your hard work and dedication, that you will win this election.

 Jeremy Lacy

Crescent City

Like other chemicals, fluoride is beneficial at the right dose

I grew up in a small town in Washington whose water came from an artesian well with fluoride added. My family, friends and I had minimal cavity problems and no health problems caused by the added fluoride.

Sure fluoride is a toxic substance. So is warfarin (rat poison) used medically as a life-saving blood thinner as is arsenic used in gout medications. These are just two of the “harmful chemicals” that have been used to enhance human health and to save lives. They key is dosage. When used in small amounts they become beneficial. Simple.

I agree with Hilary John Herman’s letter Oct. 23. Where are the victims? I drink the water so why can’t I vote on Measure A? All users should be able to vote on issues that directly affect them. Sounds unconstitutional to me.

Ray Marshall

Crescent City

Visionaries: Martin for School Board; Phillips, Bailey for harbor

Three local candidates are uppermost in my voting responsibility:

For School Board: I recommend Calie Martin, who comes with vast experience in the private sector, also as a child-placement services probation officer, and lastly, culminating in 23 years of teaching in our high school.

Calie is a high-energy person with vast connections in our county to tap for resources, community involvement, financial ideas and support, and, very importantly, a zeal to be visionary in all aspects relating to improving our educational experiences of children, parents and staff. 

We need articulate and visionary people who have many day-time and evening hours to dedicate to visiting the schools (like Mr. E. Rutledge did for many years), communicating with teachers and parents in assessing needs to improve our schools and developing strategies to achieve them. We need to bring back the great shop and home economic classes that were discarded some decades ago, while enriching our math and science classes to challenge the competetive world market.

For Harbor Commission: I recommend Ron Phillips and Pat Bailey for their educational degrees as well as vast experience as successful businessmen in the private sector, and, remember, the harbor future is all about businesses expanding or bringing in new sources.

Ron Phillips has been great to work with at the successful Farmer’s Market, where we have a booth every Saturday for this our second year. He is the prime ambassador to welcoming guests, tourists, vendors and everyone to participate in a wonderful experience. Being a visionary, he already speaks of plans for next year.

In the harbor area we need representatives that can articulate verbally and have strong writing skills to compete in grant-writing projects. This is the real world today, being a nice, hardworking person is no longer enough.

Pat Bailey comes with a vast naval background, teaching experience as well as business acumen; he owns the local electric car dealership, and what I really respect is his trucking job taking fish and crab to San Francisco and returning with fish for our processing plant here. He says: “We have to keep those filleters working.” Thus, he, too demonstrates his visionary insight for our harbor’s future.

Jan Martin

Crescent City

Editor’s note Jan Martin is the sister of Calie Martin.

Gov. Moonbeam’s politics were no good in even better times

Do we really want another round of “Governor Moonbeam”? Jerry Brown is a big-spending, professional politician. His politics weren’t good in better times. I can only imagine where he would take California now.

Are our memories so short that we can’t remember his politics in times past? Or do you want more tax and spending? Meg Whitman evidently knows how to create jobs. There are enough Democrats in office for a good balance with Meg as governor.

Norma McCanna

Crescent City

Alexander will help Comeback Town, U.S.A., fight drug scourge

I recently read part of Apollo Ono’s new book in which he said, “It is not about how you start, but how you finish that takes your measure.” It would take too much time to go back in history to show examples of this principle but it has been a part of human history time and time again. I also remember a time when Bill Stamps Sr. called Crescent City “Comeback Town, USA.”

What has happened since then that we have become so negative toward those people running for office, with bullying in our schools, anger and rudeness in general? Who are we becoming?

As long as we have the drug-related problems in our community we will not be able to prosper. They cost us on so many levels, such as Juvenile Hall expenses, Social Services for aid to children of addicted parents, foster homes, county health for unemployable families, disability and SSI costs, unemployment costs, court costs/public defender fees, food stamps, insurance fees for driving under the influence that raises all of our rates, costs added to our utility bills for bad debts from those persons who do not pay their bills, costs to landlords for damages and clean up after renting to drug addicts. There was a house that our program helped a landlord clean up after renting to a couple who were doing drugs and we hauled over five tons of trash to the dump. There are more costs that I have not mentioned or have not thought of, but these give you an idea of some of the problems and then multiply this times the number of people who have an alcohol or drug problem and you can imagine the gross amount of money this costs our community. Imagine what we could do for Crescent City and Del Norte County if we could fix these problems.

Because I work with people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, I am uniquely qualified to understand the value of the people who had a bad start and have found the courage and understanding to change not only their lives, but the lives of others around them and thusly change the lives of generations to come. I will vote for Jon Alexander, and be proud to. Proud to know him and respect him for what he has accomplished.

Sandra Morrison

Jordan Recovery Centers

Crescent City

Shame we can’t get rid of Obama, but we can get rid of his helpers

This letter is for all the concerned people in this country. We have the election coming up this Tuesday, and nothing could be more important for the people that love our country. Something to look at is Obama with a 37-percent approval rating, and a Democratic-controlled Congress with a 14-percent approval rating that is not listening to our people.

Obama, when running for president promised to run our country in a bipartisan manner, and listen to the people, and reduce spending, have no earmarks, and have a new type of government and other things to help our nation. He promised to help unemployment, which was 8 percent when he took office, now it’s 10 percent. Obama’s answer on this: It could be worse. The worst thing that patrician Obama and his patrician Democratic-controlled Congress did was the Obama health care package they railroaded through. The stupid stimulus package for close to a trillion dollars didn’t help anything or anyone.

Obama keeps blaming George Bush for high spending, at that time, our country had 9/11, Katrina, two wars and no help from Democrats that were in control of the Congress and the Senate the last two years of George Bush’s term.

In this coming election next Tuesday, it’s a shame we can’t get rid of Obama, but we can get rid of all his helpers. The first step to help our country would be to fire Nancy Pelosi, defeat Harry Reid and all that voted for the stimulus bill, Obama Care, and all the other things they railroaded through.

Let’s have a change you can believe in this coming week, the people will be at the voting booths, get ready all you Democrats, the people will be talking, I’m sure you will listen. Support our great country and all our troops.  

George Pantell

Crescent City

Alexander worked hard, was well prepared as a prosecutor

I have known Jon Alexander since he was a prosecutor in the DA’s Office, and frankly, he was a breath of fresh air. He was passionate, extremely knowledgeable and incredibly hard working. He was there well after 5 p.m. and on weekends. When he went to court, he knew all the facts of the case and he was well prepared to argue the people’s position.

In short, he was an inspiration to all who endeavor to find justice. And his position on the legal treatment of methamphetamine dealers has remained unchanged, because he has seen firsthand the destruction it has caused the families of Del Norte County.

Like many of you, I have personally researched Jon Alexander’s State Bar record, which he has always owned up to. He was on State Bar probation when the DA’s Office hired him in 2005. He was on State Bar probation when the judges appointed him commissioner on the Juvenile Justice Commission. He was on State Bar probation when the county and state awarded him contracts in the criminal and dependency courts.

Jon has successfully completed the State Bar’s Alternative Discipline Program. So ask yourself, do you really think the county and state would have awarded him contracts to represent hundreds of clients and children in crisis if he was at any risk of suspension?

Jon’s exhaustive work in the community is tangible confirmation of his commitment to Del Norte County. He has given countless hours to working with our at-risk youth, giving them jobs, counseling them with 12 step programs and getting them involved in sports. He has given his time and energy to the Jordan Recovery Center, Little League, Red Cross and Relay for Life, to name a few. He has said, and I believe him, that he wants to pay back the community that gave him a second chance. We need to take advantage of the gift he is offering us and give him our vote in November.

Linda Sanford

Smith River

Son’s illness, white residue in water alters view on fluoridation

My 13-year-old son has mysteriously come down with hypo-thyroidism. I cannot say that he would be sick without being exposed to the additive fluorosilicic acid.

He is the first in my family’s history to suffer this way. Does this sound familiar to you, or someone you love? I simply don’t know anymore, when I see white powdery residue after boiling water. These facts have altered my views on fluoridation of public waters.

Fluoride is regulated as a drug by the Food and Drug Administration.Yet this is a common additive to our water supply.

Ralph Stuart

Crescent City