Letters to the Editor 10/22

Speed will be missed

We have recently lost a valuable member of our medical community. Nancy Speed practiced psychiatry in our community for more than 10 years.

During that time, she distinguished herself as an excellent clinician and a deeply caring person. She personified the best qualities of professionalism and, by example, inspired that extra effort from her co-workers.

She was a clear voice and a tireless advocate for access to high-quality, effective, personal and compassionate medical care. Speed was recognized as one of the very best physicians both nationally and in our community. She provided care and comfort to many medical families in our county.

Three years ago, Speed developed a serious medical problem. Her courageous battle with this disease was an inspiration to all of the medical community. Speed’s husband and fellow psychiatrist, Joseph Schwartz, continued to provide leadership, serving as president of the San Luis Obispo County Medical Association during this difficult time.

The San Luis Obispo County Medical Association would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Nancy Speed. Her passing is a significant loss to us. We are all better physicians for having known her and will greatly miss her gentle influence.

Vance D. Rodgers

San Luis Obispo County Medical Association president

Not ‘chipping in’

Excellent pairing on Oct. 17 of Pat Pemberton’s provocative front page story (“‘Kaffir Boy’ stirs up SLOHS censorship talk; author plans visit”) with Geoffrey Land’s thoughtful Viewpoint (“Don’t censor ‘Kaffir Boy’ because it discomforts some”).

Perfectly timed as well since the author, Mark Mathabane, landed in San Luis Obispo Thursday night at the Spanos Theatre at Cal Poly to discuss his book.

However, I must correct and clarify your description of the university’s contribution making the event possible as merely “chipping in.” Without significant contributions from Cal Poly’s Kennedy Library, College of Liberal Arts, Division of Student Affairs, Multicultural Center, English Department and Graphic Communications Department, the event could not have taken place.

Indeed, Mathabane’s appearance is a wonderfully collaborative effort by Cal Poly, the school district and the local community. Hopefully, there will be more such efforts in the future.

Kathryn Eisendrath Rogers

San Luis Coastal Unified School District trustee

Tick, tock

How much time will it take us to destroy our 235-year-long experiment in Democracy? And how is it being done?

The ancient orator Isocrates stated: “Democracy destroys itself because it abuses its right to freedom and equality. Because it teaches its citizens to consider audacity as a right, lawlessness as a freedom, abrasive speech as equality and anarchy as progress.”

Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick tock.

Eden Wynn

Paso Robles

The people’s interests

Growing up, I had the best possible example of what a police officer should be, thanks to my father. My dad worked hard for us, taking on multiple extra jobs to provide the best for us.

Even though he worked so much, his time spent with his family was quality and something to look forward to. My dad always put his family first and was always there to take care of us and protect us.

As I grew to adulthood, my dad became not only an adviser and supporter, but also a true friend. Whenever I have a question, police related or not, I can count on my father for sound, ethical advice. Having worked for two different departments, I’ve served under multiple chiefs, some good and some bad. I’ve seen what it takes to be a strong leader, and my father exemplifies these traits. Having kept his family together for more than 30 years, while at the same time advancing through the ranks of law enforcement, says volumes about his character. As someone who would run the department with the same dedication he has with his family, the people of SLO County can count on my father to put their interests first.

Eric Cortez

San Marcos, Texas

Let’s not forget

Some good information and a reminder. Many women were encouraged and empowered by Gov. Jerry Brown’s groundbreaking efforts to bring women into California government. His appointments rearranged many “old-guard” networks. Protecting the consumer had a new meaning during his tenure as women and representatives from the “underrepresented” were able to make their voices felt.

Let’s not forget.

Charlene Orszag

Los Osos

Character qualities

Since the beginning of the campaign for 4th District supervisor, I have watched Mike Zimmerman, at every public speaking opportunity, berate Paul Teixeira for not owning a business and insult him for not owning real estate. Now, to read this in The Tribune (“Battle of conservatives in South County,” Oct. 10) belies belief.

Ten months ago when I first heard this vitriol, I cast it off to possibly candidate training Mr. Zimmerman may have taken in his two failed attempts at getting elected to public office. Now I am not so sure about that, and fear it as part of his character, his nature.

Amazingly, while on the Dave Congalton radio show, Mr. Zimmerman attacked the policies of the sitting Board of Supervisors, and when one of the board members responded, Mr. Zimmerman spent the next hour apologizing for his remarks.

Honesty, fairness and integrity are the character qualities Paul Teixeira has. These are the qualities of leadership the voters of the 4th District get when they elect Mr. Teixeira their next supervisor.

Kem Weber

Nipomo

Spurious arguments

In the late 1990s one of the issues that received the most study by the city was a proper East-West connection in the southern portion of the city. It was a matter of priority to develop a means to better connect the South Broad Street area to the South Higuera/101 freeway. At that time, we looked at all alternatives. I am probably one of a few who have actually walked the proposed Prado Road alignment.

Our conclusion then, as it is now, is that the proposed alignment of Prado Road is in the best interests of the traveling public in that part of San Luis Obispo. It is a necessary and desirable cross-town connection.

The proponents of Measure H are using spurious arguments, are wrong on this issue and are urging a substitute third-rate solution.

I urge the citizens of San Luis Obispo to vote no on Measure H.

John Dunn

Retired city manager, San Luis Obispo

None more qualified

Dan Carpenter has run a grassroots campaign for SLO City Council. Not wanting to be obligated in any way to special interests, his campaign has been informative, intelligent and infused with his concern and love for the city of SLO.

As a lifetime resident of this city, he has watched it grow, mature and sometimes stumble as mistakes have been made along the way. This is a candidate who would serve the best interests of all the people and ask questions where they need to be asked.

His background as the current chairman of the SLO Cultural Heritage Committee gives him perspective on many issues. Being a former SLO planning commissioner shows his aptitude in working with people and sensitive cases.

As a native of this city, we could not get a more qualified person on the City Council. Please join me in voting for Dan Carpenter for SLO City Council.

Karen Corda Adler

San Luis Obispo

Does and does nots

I support Joe Modica for Atascadero city treasurer.

My wife and I have lived and worked in Atascadero since 1968, and have had the opportunity to observe and interact with both the community and governing bodies within our community. Over the years, our community has faced and overcome many challenges.

Our community is again on the right track and moving in the right direction. This has been made possible through the efforts of a cooperative team composed of City Council, Main Street, Atascadero Unified School District and many other individuals and groups within our city.

One member vital to this team is our current city treasurer, Joe Modica. He does not distort facts. He does not micromanage. He does not hedge.

What he does do is fulfill the responsibilities of his position in a cooperative and professional manner. His investment choices have allowed Atascadero to accumulate funds that are now allowing the city to adjust to the current economic downturn. He is nonpartisan and refuses to use his position for personal gain.

I urge you to join with me and my family and vote for Joe Modica for city treasurer of Atascadero on election day.

Jim Stecher

Atascadero

Vote for environment

A vote for Hilda Zacarias is a vote for the environment.

Hilda Zacarias would vote to protect AB 32, the rigorous environmental standards that Californians hold dear. Katcho Achadjian wants to abolish these environmental standards in order to benefit big oil companies.

Hilda opposes offshore oil drilling while Katcho is in favor of offshore drilling.

If you care about our environment and the beauty of our coast, vote Hilda Zacarias for Assembly.

Martha Garcia

Oceano

Bums for bums

This election year pushes us into an unprecedented “Get rid of ’em all” frenzy. Before we throw all the bums out, let’s make sure we take a careful look at the bums who would replace them.

In any case, vote — even if it’s for “none of the above.” Otherwise, you lose your right to criticize any elected official.

Cayucos

Whither the money?

Regarding Proposition 21, I thought, “$18 isn’t so much, what’s the big deal?” Then my wife and I drove up to Hearst Castle. We could barely get a tour and were thankful to drop down $48 for the two of us to take the 90-minute Garden Tour.

It was fantastic and made us appreciate even more where we live. When we purchased our tickets, we mentioned the concern of our parks being “padlocked.” The ticket agent told us, “This place will never close, it’s too much of a revenue generator.”

Now I know not all parks are revenue generators, but where does all that Hearst Castle money go? I would gladly pay $5 a trip to enjoy our beautiful Montana de Oro park. Perhaps if we were charged, we could fix the leaky restroom roofs.

And as for the $5 fee discouraging the less fortunate from visiting, I’m sure we could somehow provide free access.

And after all, how many Californians actually go to the parks? Perhaps those who do visit should pay to use them, instead of those of us working all the time to pay our taxes paying for them.

Ray Ondrejech

San Luis Obispo