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Letters
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- Written by: Chris Hansen
I’ve been following the race for district attorney with great interest for the last few months. The passions are high and nearly everyone has a strong opinion about the three candidates.
Many are bent on judging a man’s career based on a single case, others believe any change in the office would be for the better, and some even see a law enforcement conspiracy in Lake County.
This past weekend things got a little more interesting. We find in a Press Democrat (5/29) article that one challenger apparently has gotten himself into some serious financial problems. In a letter to the Record Bee (5/29), a former client of the other challenger claims that his negligent handling of her case cost her some serious money. And I was looking for perfection in a candidate. Go figure!
I am not one who believes that change for the sake of change would be for the better. In fact, it could be disastrous. In Jon Hopkins I see a prosecutor with 38 years of professional experience and a long track record of being strong on crime and unwilling to plea bargain away our quality of life.
We need a district attorney willing to go after the DUIs, drug dealers, elder abuse cases and the growing gang problem. It would be foolish to entrust such a large, critical department to the operational control and management of either challenger. Both lack the prosecutorial and executive experience to effectively perform as Lake County District Attorney.
Seriously, folks, there is only one sensible choice. I hope you will join me in supporting Jon Hopkins on June 8.
Chris Hansen lives in Kelseyville.
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- Written by: Jim Marschall
As a lifelong resident of Kelseyville and a teacher for many years I have seen many teachers, principals and superintendents (local and county) come and go. All of them have made, good or not so good, impressions on someone in Lake County.
Almost 30 years ago, when I was on the Kelseyville School Board, we hired an energetic young man named Wally Holbrook to be a principal. We were not disappointed in the choice we had made. Wally took the reins and went work. He led the teachers and students in a very positive direction. Of course not all interactions went smoothly, but when do they ever. Wally has the ability to listen before jumping to a conclusion.
In later years Wally applied for and was selected to be the superintendent of the Kelseyville Unified School District. During his time as superintendent, Wally faced many difficult decisions. Being the top leader is not always popular. Wally gathered information and made informed decisions. I do feel that Wally had the students at heart.
Later Wally became a superintendent in Winters. He retired there and moved back to Kelseyville. Being the active person that Wally is, he worked for a company that mentored new administrators.
There seems to be some rumors that Wally received money from our local schools. Well, the company contracted with local schools so I would say he got paid for his services. Not too many people work at a job for free.
Wally is very committed to quality education for all of our students. Wally believes that high school students should be educated for vocational training as well as for the college system.
So please join me and vote on June 8, 2010, for Wally Holbrook, county superintendent of schools.
Jim Marschall lives in Kelseyville.
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- Written by: Phil Scully
I have known Sheriff Rod Mitchell for several years and recognize him as a dedicated public servant. In spite of continuous budget cuts he has led a competent and determined department that has kept our county safe and orderly.
Recently Sheriff Mitchell has been the subject of questionable and unfounded accusations concerning budget and personnel issues. Unfortunately, while anyone can make accusations, a county department head may not discuss personnel issues, even to defend his own integrity.
The campaign against Sheriff Mitchell seems to have slipped to a very low level. Two “Mitchell for Sheriff” signs on our property have repeatedly been torn down, and now have disappeared entirely. I have noticed that other Mitchell signs around the county also have disappeared.
In casting my vote I plan to follow the recommendation of the Lake County Deputy Sheriffs Association, whose members should know the candidates best and have endorsed Rod Mitchell.
Let’s not experiment with the safety of our county.
Phil Scully lives in Lakeport.
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- Written by: Kirk Macdonald
This Memorial Day three-day weekend – before you realize it is Tuesday morning and you have to go back to work – set aside a little time to visit your local cemetery and pay your respects to the men and women who have helped you enjoy this holiday.
Sometime between the parades, the barbecue and the boating, take a little time with your family to say thanks to those who have gone before you.
When you pull into the cemetery at Hartley, Lower Lake, Middletown, Upper Lake or Kelseyville and see all the flags flying, remember that this holiday weekend is because of someone’s sacrifice.
That sacrifice wasn’t just for a three-day weekend but for endless days of freedom.
They have done their job and yours is just to say thanks.
Kirk Macdonald lives in Lakeport.