Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Friday, May. 09, 2008

More letters to the Editor on political endorsements

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In the endorsement dated May 4, The Tribune clearly outlines some of the poor decisions Jerry Lenthall has made regarding land use planning, viewshed protection measures and managed growth. Yet the fundamental reason The Tribune cites for supporting Lenthall is that “he’s learned from his mistakes.”

On the other hand, The Tribune has chosen not to endorse Adam Hill because although he “has good ideas,” he “is unproven in public office.”

The Tribune would rather support Lenthall, with his proven record of mistakes, instead of Adam Hill, a candidate who has sound but “unproven” ideas? Seems like a poor reason to support a candidate and an equally poor reason not to support one.

Let’s not allow the incumbent back in office just because he has “learned from his mistakes” and therefore “deserves” a second term. Let’s elect a new District 3 supervisor who has an improved vision for our county.

While he may be “unproven,” Adam Hill is very well educated, has an extraordinary public service record, has great ideas (as The Tribune points out) and seeks to work fairly for all of us — not just for development-driven campaign donors

Ted Rich

San Luis Obispo

I read with puzzlement your lukewarm endorsement (May 4) of Jerry Lenthall for District 3 supervisor. The criteria for your choice seemed to be the fact that he has already been the supervisor for four years.

This might be a good gauge if he had been making good decisions for four years but he has consistently made decisions contrary to his own Planning Commission, Planning Department and even the county’s attorney.

He deliberately misstates that he is consensus building. The Cayucos viewshed issue is a perfect example of how he ignored all opinions about this matter except for a small number of county residents who actually wrote what is now an ordinance weaker than the previous one.

Adam Hill has proven his ability to be an effective leader by studying the issues, attending meetings and forums and working in the nonprofit arena for years in addition to his fulltime job at Cal Poly. I urge all voters in the 3rd District to vote for Adam Hill on June 3.

Jacquelyn Wheeler

San Luis Obispo

I confess that I am mystified by the endorsement The Tribune gave Jerry Lenthall. The editors acknowledge that Supervisor Lenthall has made mistakes in his first 4 years in office, and they haven’t agreed with many of his land use planning decisions. So let’s give him another chance, they say. But why should we, the voters, believe that Jerry’s next 4 years would be any different?

The Tribune endorsement has actually shown Jerry the following:

• You can form committees with the appearance of good intentions, but if you end up ignoring them, it’s OK.

• You can consistently vote against the advice of your staff and the planning commission when it comes to land-use issues and ignore the general plan, but ultimately your voting record will not be held against you.

• If you are a nice guy, then we will look the other way when it comes election time.

There was not one negative point brought out about Adam Hill, just a concern that he has never held public office. Maybe this is a plus. The residents of District 3 deserve better leadership, and Adam Hill should be elected District 3 supervisor.

Terri Main

San Luis Obispo