Mike Adams” recent letter regarding collaboration between our committee and Judy Luchsinger on the Republican mail-out was clear and well-reasoned but, unfortunately for Mike, a crock. Luchsinger had no idea that such a mailing was even planned; Mike apparently had no knowledge that such collaboration is unlawful. If he did know, then his letter is much worse than a crock; Mike was suggesting we were criminals.
Our committee, as it does each election, carefully considered each candidate and proposition before making a recommendation. Agreement to endorse Dr. Luchsinger was unanimous; we found her experience and performance far above that of Wally Holbrook. Our largest concern was the destructive effects of bureaucracies from Sacramento to Lake County sucking up money that should go to teachers and classrooms.
In Holbrook”s case, we thought the Grand Jury”s report told all, so we simply printed it without comment. The fact that Wally Holbrook was presiding during that episode was taken from his own brochure.
There are more facts: Money in a federal grant specifically to educate science/math teachers was removed and transferred illegally by an employee directly under Holbrook and diverted to the school”s general fund which he could use for his own purposes. Holbrook was apprised of this and there is no evidence that he took any appropriate action ? such as firing the man. That is negligence.
Conversely, Dr. Luchsinger, as Lake County Superintendant of Schools, was faced with two employees she discovered engaging in activity destructive to performance in the office. She gave them warning, written notices over six months, and when they continued, she fired them. We believe that is the way supervisors should conduct business. Despite all the well-orchestrated letters-to-editors, we believe the public agrees. We are tired of “good old boys” throwing each other contracts while teachers bring in teaching aides with their own meager pay.
Incidentally, many ask why Judy didn”t get reelected as County Schools Superintendent several years ago. The answer is simple. She was a superb Superintendent of Education, far better than her opponent, but a poorer politician. I know; I helped her opponent. To quote President Dwight Eisenhower on Earl Warren, “The biggest d*** fool mistake I ever made.”
Randy Ridgel
Kelseyville
