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Letters
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- Written by: Gloria Flaherty
I write regarding the upcoming election for Lake County superintendent of schools.
I have known and liked both candidates personally for many years; however, I am compelled to advocate and vote for Wally Holbrook.
There have been numerous letters regarding Wally’s integrity and honesty, his experience, his skill at building consensus and his knowledge regarding the educational system from top to bottom.
That is all true – and it is a reason for my support – but it is not the primary reason I support Wally, and have done so for many years.
Wally Holbrook has compassion and empathy for kids and a passion for their education that is seldom seen in California. He holds kids and their best interest close to his heart and at the center of each decision.
If our interest is what is best for the children of Lake County, then we will decisively elect Wally Holbrook as superintendent of schools. Please join me in supporting Wally – you won’t regret it!
Gloria Flaherty lives in Kelseyville.
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- Written by: David W. Smith
Everyone who knows me knows that I am a strong supporter of the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. Here is what I would like to present.
For many years now, we have ALL seen the affects of the “good ol' boy” syndrome in our beloved county, however, we now have the chance to change all of that.
At a town hall forum for IHSS, the group was blessed by a visit from Denise Rushing, Joyce Overton and Robert Hesterberg. Gary Lewis and Jeff Smith didn't even give us the time of day, citing “county negotiations.” Mr. Lewis isn't even a board member, but cited negotiations?
When all was said and done; our group voted to support Denise and Joyce. Mr. Hesterberg gave a great run, and made it difficult for our group, but Denise won out in the end. The California United Homecare Workers Union is “proudly” endorsing Denise and Joyce.
Mr. Smith and Mr. Lewis have been a part of the “good ol' boys” and should kindly step aside. It's time for change.
If you cannot respect your constituents by being there for them, then you need to find other avenues that benefit yourselves.
David W. Smith lives in Nice.
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- Written by: Victoria Brandon
Like many other Lake County citizens, I've had a hard time making up my mind about the sheriff's race this year.
On the one hand, Rod Mitchell's management of his department has sometimes seemed grievously defective, as demonstrated not only by the well-publicized Dinius and Garzoli cases but also by lackadaisical enforcement of the county's ordinance protecting our waterways from catastrophic infestation by invasive quagga/zebra mussels.
On the other hand, challenger Francisco Rivero's leadership abilities trouble me deeply. Although he has charismatic personal qualities and lots of good ideas, his repeated assaults on the officers he would be called upon to lead make his effectiveness as department head seem extremely doubtful; his apparent inability to follow orders and his unwillingness to explicitly repudiate the nasty anonymous bloggers whose fetid verbal assaults have sullied this election also demonstrate extremely questionable characteristics.
Nothing that occurred at the May 5 candidate debate in Middletown lessened my doubts about either of these contenders (quite the contrary), but this occasion did provide my first opportunity to observe a very viable alternative, and to conclude that Jack Baxter's immense experience, solid integrity and evident good sense are exactly what's needed in the sheriff's office.
It's also important to remember that a vote for Baxter carries no risk of “throwing” the election to either Mitchell or Rivero, since neither can win without obtaining more than 50 percent of the vote; merely coming out first will not suffice. This consideration may be important to voters whose are primarily motivated by opposition to one of the other two candidates, as well as to those who share my grave doubts about both.
I urge undecided members of our community to learn more about Jack Baxter by visiting www.baxterforsheriff.com, and then to join me in voting for him on June 8.
Victoria Brandon lives in Lower Lake.
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- Written by: Pete McGee
I am supporting Wally Holbrook for superintendent of Lake County schools. I am impressed with his character, and also with his resume.
Wally has been a district superintendent of several other similar school districts in his career. Wally is intimately familiar with the fiscal challenges of leading smaller, unified school districts like Middletown, Konocti, Lakeport and Kelseyville.
Additionally, because of his leadership coaching experience, Wally has had recent affiliation with the superintendents, principals and teachers in these districts.
Wally understands many of the issues and challenges ahead in education. I am hopeful and confident Wally will do an excellent job when elected.
Pete McGee lives in Middletown.