The Desert Sun from Palm Springs, California • Page 17

The Desert Sun Thursday, February 28, 2002 BS Letters CARTOON BREAK Outstanding educator I have had the pleasure of working with Dave Long for the past six years, both in the Lake Elsi-nore Unified School District and three years. He criticizes both the city staff and a dedicated public servant who has worked with the citizens of Rancho Mirage to build a fine city, The choice is obvious. I'm voting for Councilman Seman because of his record. Look at Rancho Mirage and see what he has SID didate who has the best interest of the voters in mind. Diana Garcia La Quinta tives.

He was the taxation and real estate partner in a national CPA firm. Is he qualified? You betcha. He is a consummate good neighbor, concerned citizen and professional rolled into one. Let's all vote together for Meepos on April 9. Barbara Hailperin Rancho Mirage Better than adequate Voters have someone worth getting excited about March 5, if they vote Bonnie Garcia for 80th Assembly District.

With my 10 years in politics, I guarantee Bonnie is the candidate who will challenge the cynics' stereotype. I first met Bonnie in 1996, and immediately recognized a woman to be reckoned with. She is one of the most passionate, compelling individuals I have ever met. Sharp on issues with an uncanny knack for cutting through bull and getting right to the heart of it. She has a diverse background of experiences that have educated and prepared her better than any other candidate to address state and local issues.

What differentiates Bonnie from others is her fire in the belly, doing something halfway is not an option. Some candidates might be "good" assemblymembers. But if you are looking for someone better than good, someone far exceeding adequate, vote Bonnie Garcia. Kim Glassman, chief of staff for Sen. Jim Battin Palm Desert at the Riverside County Office of Education.

In my career in education, which spans more than 30 years, he is the most outstanding educational leader I have known. He has experience as a teacher, a building administrator, a district superintendent, and as county superintendent. He has vision, commitment to improving student achievement, extremely high ethical standards, and the proven ability to administer a 8326 million budget. There is really only one reasonable choice in the election for Riverside County Superintendent of Schools. Vote for the man who has the endorsement of every district superintendent in Riverside County.

Vote to reelect Dave Long as county superintendent of schools. James S. Jones Cathedral City Front-line worker As a resident of Southern California Edison's coverage area, I urge the voters of the 80th District to vote for Bonnie Garcia. Bonnie has the right ideas on how to help fix the damage that's been done to California's residents because of the energy crisis. Even though energy has ceased to be a front-page issue, she has not forgotten that it is far from being resolved.

She will fight for the ratepayers of the Edison area, and will continue to seek the solutions needed to make the rate structure fairer for the Coachella Valley. A member of the Riverside County Task Force on Energy, Bonnie has been working on the front lines to make sure people have the information they need to tap available funding for energy saving measures. Garcia has what it takes to shake Sacramento up, and will do a great job for all of us. Pamela Tenney Palm Desert Levinson for council I have had the pleasure of observing Stan Levinson in action as he goes door-to-door throughout the city of Rancho Mirage campaigning for a seat on the council. He is genuinely interested in what people have to say and they listen attentively to what he has to say.

Moreover, he is a fountain of information. Not once has he failed to answer questions. He gives facts and figures for his replies. Stan will be a true representative of and for the people. He does not appear to have any personal axes to grind but don't get him started on issues that need to be corrected.

There is a need for change on the council, and I believe he is the one who can accomplish it. His concern is for you and me and our welfare. On April 9, vote for Stan Levinson. Peggy E. Greenberg Rancho Mirage Passionate educator David Long is an outstanding leader.

He has heartfelt feelings for the education and educational future of the 320,000 students in Riverside County. He is a visionary in education and is recognized throughout California for his global thinking and education skills. He is absolutely passionate about providing the very finest for Riverside County students. Long is an articulate spokesperson for all aspects of Riverside County education. The multitude of programs and processes he has initiated are all serving our children.

We need this man's continued leadership. Re-elect Long as Riverside County superintendent of schools. Julie Wilson Indio Insulting campaign Joey Acufia's campaign has sent out potholders to Democratic women. Such campaigning insults women. It implies that we women should stay in the kitchen and out of the way while men make the decisions.

This condescending message is totally wrong for the 21st century. Greg Pettis, on the other hand, recognizes the valuable contributions women make in every aspect of our society, in business, in the arts, in government, in education, and in the life of our communities. Greg has the background, experience, and track record to work with all members of the state legislature and the governor's office. Greg will represent all of the people of the 80th Assembly District, not cliques of special interests who have supplied campaign funds to his opponent. accomplished.

Bernard Krauss Rancho Mirage Serves constituents My husband, Bob and I have lived at Lake Mirage for more than 15 years. We love the tranquillity and beauty of our city and support the re-election of Alan Seman to its City Council. During his years of service to our community Seman's primary goal has been to see that the best interests of his constituents have not been violated. He has served us well with quiet dignity and perseverance. He is listed in the telephone book and is available to listen to your problems and try to help you solve them.

We applaud his efforts on our behalf and urge the residents of Rancho Mirage to vote for the re-election of Seman to the City Council. Bea Breakstone Rancho Mirage Meepos for council I was elated and gratified to learn that my neighbor and friend Ron Meepos, was throwing his multi-talented expertise into our political arena. How wonderful to have a man of his integrity and knowledge represent us. With Meepos at the helm, I feel more optimistic than I've felt in many years. Join me in casting your vote for the candidate that will make a difference.

Meepos for Rancho Mirage City Council. Ruth Ruffner Rancho Mirage Response needed Joseph Martin's Feb. 22 letter on Israel is so inaccurate and onesided that it deserves an objective response. Britain, bankrupt at the end of World War II, was obliged to reduce its overseas commitments and, in 1947, handed its mandate over to the United Nations. Israel was created by a U.N.

resolution later that year. Terrorist attacks on Zionist settlers started in the 1920s, 20 years before Israeli independence. Israel is a democracy unlike its Arab neighbors, several of whom have atrocious human-rights records. Unlike the Palestinian leader, Arafat, Sharon was a distinguished soldier, not a terrorist. It is not Israel who shoots up or bombs shopping malls, restaurants and family gatherings.

The current plight of the Palestinians is Arafat's responsibility as he rejected an offer by Sharon's predecessor, which would have conceded almost all his demands and incidentally left Israel strategically indefensible. Arafat is a kleptomaniac and a murderer. Among his victims were American citizens and any Palestinian leader who sought to improve the lot of their people through cooperation with Israel. His stated objective remains the total elimination of Israel. Incidentally, American gives financial support to Egypt as well as to Israel.

David Ramsey Indian Wells Evil people in world When Matthew Wettlaufer, in his Feb. 2 1 letter says, "Instead of putting these men in shackles, it would be better for us to reconsider why so much of the world hates us," I disagree. Most nations like the United States. There are evil people, not representing any specific nation, who want to kill all people labeled "Americans" regardless of their innocence, individual race or nationality. Wettlaufer's statement is similar to saying, "It would be better to free all criminals from our jails while we reconsidered why they wanted to rob and murder innocent men, women and children in their own country.

We know why. There are evil people in the world. Wettlaufer doesn't think that people can be friends in one decade and enemies in the next, or vice versa. I fought in the South Pacific during World War II. Do I hate Japanese now? Of course not.

It is only the sick few that keep hatred in their hearts and who pass this hatred on to their children so they can become the next evil of society terrorists. When Wettlaufer figures out how to stop Americans who commit crimes against their own, perhaps then, he can go on to the larger picture of taking the evil out of terrorists. Lee Ellis Indio Palm Genevrino Palm Springs Viable candidates Voters of Rancho Mirage, hear this. Four years ago three candidates for three City Council seats ran unopposed. What a shame that choices weren't available at the polls.

This year it's different. On April 9, citizens will have alternatives for those same seats. Luckily three of the aspirants loom large in terms of their experience, knowledge, judgment and character. They are: Dana Hobart, District 1, a retired attorney whose career included practice before the U.S. Supreme Court; Ron Meepos, District 3, a retired partner in a national CPA firm; and Stan Levinson, District 5, a retired entrepreneur who has founded and built up four successful businesses in the field of design and wholesale-retail merchandising.

What a great sweep of backgrounds to guide Rancho Mirage policy as we roar into the 2 1 st century. Join me in voting for Hobart, Meepos and Levinson. Arthur S. Newman Jr. Rancho Mirage Tireless educator The service to the children of Riverside County is at an all-time high.

There is a specific reason for this, his name is Dave Long. Dave has worked tirelessly as Riverside County superintendent of schools to increase the number and quality of the services to school districts for the sake of our children. We need Dave Long as county superintendent to continue his outstanding leadership. Ellen Jones Cathedral City Committed candidate Bonnie Garcia has really gathered some amazing endorsements in her campaign for the 80th Assembly District. Her commitment to balanced budgets and common sense approaches to cutting government waste made her the natural choice for organizations like the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, the National Taxpayers Alliance, and the National Tax Limitation Committee.

She will fight our current administration's efforts to put us deeper and deeper into debt through politically expedient solutions that end up costing more in the long run. Additionally, Bonnie is tough on crime. She has the support of the Riverside Sheriffs Association, the Palm Springs Police Officers Association, the California Police Chiefs Association, the Indio Police Officers Association, and Crime Victims United. Bonnie Garcia has her priorities for government straight. Protect the citizens, and don't spend more than what you have.

Support her by voting Bonnie Garcia on election day. Cynthia White Palm Desert Supports Hobart Rancho Mirage has an opportunity to vote for a guy I know very well. Dana Hobart is seeking office in District 1. 1 recommend voting for Dana because of his excellent qualifications and because it is time for new thinking and creative ideas. Dana not only believes in the concept of fiscal responsibility, he has had to live it during the many years of his legal career because he managed his firm's office.

He treats everyone with respect and cares about people. My husband and I know of Dana's ethical legal reputation and we strongly believe that electing him will bring special qualities to the office. Rancho Mirage voters will be doing all of us a great favor by electing Dana Hobart on April 9. There is no substitute for experience and qualifications. Gayle Budd Rancho Mirage Seman for council I judge people by personal experience.

When I had a problem at Mission Hills concerning our perimeter wall, I contacted Councilman Alan Seman. He responded to my request immediately. He arranged a meeting with city staff and the problem was quickly solved. My experience with Seman was positive. His actions speak louder than words.

When he told us what he would do, he kept his word. No excuses. I give credit where credit is due. His views as to the future of Rancho Mirage reflect mine. He is a true friend of Mission Hills.

His accomplishments make him worthy of re-election. Robert Lessinger Rancho Mirage Responsive leader We have owned property in Rancho Mirage since 1984. It is a great place to live. Under the leadership of Councilman Alan Seman, The River project, other improvements on Highway 111 and the controlled development of the "sand" area have continued to make Rancho Mirage great. Our City Council has done an outstanding job in building and controlling the growth in our city.

Several years ago, I called City Hall and requested to speak to my councilman about what could have been a problem on our street. Councilman Seman immediately returned my call and met with me and several neighbors in my home. We are grateful to have a representative that is responsive, caring and down to earth. We encourage the citizens of Rancho Mirage to re-elect Seman to the City Council. We need him.

D. Clayton Mayes Rancho Mirage Taxpayers need guide I am pledging my support to Ron Meepos for city councilman in Rancho Mirage. Rancho Mirage is going through a period of explosive growth, testing our services, infrastructure, environment and the patience of its citizens. We need Meepos to guide us. He has the ability and hands-on experience to comprehend the needs of our local businesses and residents.

Ron serves on several charitable boards. He is the president of the Mission Hills Homeowners Committee, a volunteer mediator in the Palm Springs courts, and a board member of Service Corps of Retired Dirty politics Dirty politics has reared its ugly head in the race for the 80th Assembly District. An organization called The National Taxpayers Alliance has endorsed and actively campaigns for candidate Bonnie Garcia accusing candidate John Pefia, mayor of La Quinta, of campaign irregularities. I doubt if they have checked the facts. I have known John for 1 1 years serving eight of those with him on the La Quinta City Council.

John was born and raised in the Coachella Valley and is extremely familiar with the problems in the area. A look at La Quinta's progress during the past years is evident of his ability to work with the community. Sen. Jim Battin endorsed Garcia and is campaigning for her using his name and letterhead. He might suggest to his protegS she concentrate on whatever talents she may have to qualify her for the Assembly rather than trying to confuse the issues.

Ron Perkins La Quinta Look at records One should judge a political candidate by his or her record or lack of record. The record speaks for itself in Rancho Mirage. I remember the issue of the City Council wanting to fire Waste Management and build its own trash company. Only one council member voted against this ridiculous proposal. It was Alan Seman who stood tall against the majority vote.

I judge Seman by his strong, sensible voting record. He represents the people well. Bill Barringer Rancho Mirage Classman for council Ken Glassman is running for a seat on the Rancho Mirage City Council District 1 My husband, Mayor Pro Tern Phil Stack and Ken were great friends, both politically and socially. They respected each other and held the same beliefs and goals for the future of Rancho Mirage. Ken has lived in the city for 17 years and has been politically active all that time.

He is married to Marilyn Glassman who served on the council for eight years. Ken is a conscientious, informed logical thinker and articulate candidate. In order to enjoy the "quality of life" we have in Rancho Mirage for the next four years, I urge you to be sure to get out on April 9 and vote for Ken Glassman. Gayle Stack Rancho Mirage Interesting race The Rancho Mirage election in April is quite interesting. On one hand is a candidate, Alan Seman, who has a long history of service to the community.

His accomplishments during the past 14 years are to be applauded. He listens to the residents and responds. On the other hand is a candidate who has lived here for less than Won't take 'no' Every now and then someone special comes along, this time it is Bonnie Garcia and she's running for the state Assembly. I first met Bonnie when I was Cathedral City's mayor. She was against unnecessary taxes and spending.

She favored strong law enforcement, and supported quality education. Over the years Bonnie has not changed. If you want someone to fight for you in Sacramento it's Garcia. She won't take no for an answer. She's my choice.

David Berry, former mayor of Cathedral City and former chairman of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments. Cathedral City Ideal representative As a young mother, I have serious concerns about the future of California for my son. It is only through supporting an excellent candidate like Bonnie Garcia that I feel assured we will receive the representation we deserve in the state Assembly. Bonnie's ideas about how to improve education are practical and achievable. Her own two children attend school in our local public school system, so I know she has firsthand knowledge about the challenges that face our students and teachers.

Garcia is a role model for young professional women, like myself. She gives me hope about serious issues and the Republican Party. A true Latina, her accomplishments stem from her talent and engaging personality. Her voice in Sacramento will be realistic, not pie-in-the-sky promises. Please join me in supporting a real can-.