Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor (January 21, 2005)

Kasperzak sets a bad example

Editor:

I read with anger the Jan. 7 article regarding Mike Kasperzak's decision to oppose Greg Perry becoming vice mayor. Perry may ruffle feathers but he is a man of strong principals looking out for the interest of the citizens. Kasperzak, on the other hand, lacks all the qualities that make Perry an asset to Mountain View.

Case and point: When Home Depot was attempting to set up shop (Measure N) in Mountain View I asked Kasperzak in person what his position was. I could not get a straight answer out of the man. This told me a lot about his character. I would hope the other city council members do not emulate Kasperzak.

The day the elected officials of Mountain View start looking out for their own petty interests as Kasperzak has done will not be good for the city. Kim Naru Cuernavaca Circle

Governor short-shrifts education

Editor:

We were startled to read your headline "Few surprises in state budget" and accompanying story last week about the new state budget presented by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. On the contrary, we are shocked by the new state budget.

Call us cockeyed optimists, but we believed the governor when he made his famous "education deal" last year where he cut $2 billion out of the education budget and promised to pay education back that money. To see Schwarzenegger now breaking his promise to schoolchildren and teachers in our state and saying that he will not pay back that $2 billion is disheartening.

We are incredulous that he thinks constituents will let him get away from breaking that promise, especially right after the release of the RAND Report study that shows how California, with its once great education system, ranks near the bottom of all the states in student achievement scores, ranks 32nd in teacher pay (not adjusted for SF Bay Area cost of living) and 27th in pupil spending.

"The decline of California's K-12 system has paralleled the shrinking of per-pupil financial support for education during the past three decades," said RAND.

Schwarzenegger's promise now sounds like that of a relative who asks for a loan, swearing he'll repay it ("I really mean it, man"), but we're left holding the bag.

Maybe the "surprise" in your headline is that we believed him, and it's sad to see that he's just another politician going back on his promise. Our schoolchildren and teachers deserve better than this. Ellen Wheeler, Gloria Higgins, Fran Kruss, RoseMary Sias Roquero and Fiona Walter Mountain View-Whisman School District Board of Trustees

Appreciation for Gerry Harrison

Editor:

Thank you for your article in last week's issue on Gerry Harrison. I was very happy to see she is still working and looks great.

In 1981, I just walked into her office by chance while out shopping. She immediately told me about a great job she had at a startup, and in less than 10 minutes, I was in her car driving to a job interview. I had an offer later that week.

That job ended up being a life-changing experience where not only did I have huge career satisfaction, but I also met my husband whom I've been with for 19 years.

I have often thought fondly of Gerry and marveled at what an impact she had on my life from what seemed at the time a chance encounter.

Thank you again for writing such a well-deserved article on her. Nancy Dalton Bell Guadalupe Drive

District's caring response to accident

Editor:

Every parent dreads the time when their child will be in an accident, especially if it happens at school when the parent cannot offer immediate help and reassurance. This was the situation on Jan. 7 when a school bus returning from a field trip struck a car that was spinning out of control on the Highway 280. Fortunately, the 70 first-graders with their teachers and chaperones were not seriously hurt.

What was wonderful about this event was watching the teachers, principal, nurse and school psychologist swing into action. Children were individually assessed for physical and emotional impact. All the parents were contacted by phone. A letter outlining the children's experience was prepared. Included in it were phone numbers of people to call over the weekend in case of questions or concerns.

The response of the Mountain View-Whisman School District, Superintendent Eleanor Yick, Principal Alicia Henderson and teachers Mrs. Deer, Mrs. Milos, Mrs. Varni and Mrs. Reddell was extraordinary. It is reassuring to see this caring and professional response to a difficult situation. Beth Treitel Dalma Drive

City needs Greg Perry

Editor:

Too bad the council snubbed Greg Perry. Last year, I was on a committee with Greg and found him to be refreshingly community minded. He supports issues that benefit the average person, and he reminds me of Sally Lieber, whom I sorely miss in this community. Barbara Goodwin W. Middlefield Road

E-mail a friend a link to this story.