Feinstein's Statement not True and Prove You're Progressive

February 11, 2003
Dear Editor,

In your story "Feinstein Dismisses Allegations" (February 10, 2003), you discuss a donation I made to Los Angeles County Green Party back in January, 2001.

I feel I must respond to the statement of Mr. Feinstein that I "gave the money to run the office," which in Mr. Feinstein's view was an office of the Green Party of California. I take no pleasure whatsoever in correcting this claim, but at this point I believe I must.

That statement just isn't true. My check was made out to the Los Angeles County Green Party and to the Los Angeles County Green Party it should have gone. The money's use should have been decided by the County Council, who had been elected on the public ballot to represent Green party members in the county.

I do agree that there have been "honest mistakes" in the wretched affair, but those mistakes were not made by me.

Sincerely,
William Pietz

February 11, 2003

Dear Editor,

How can this truly be a progressive city when the City Council won't open its coffers to its own school children? (“How Progressive is Santa Monica?” February, 3)

The budget crisis is staggering. The school district is looking at losing its school nurses, Assistant Principals at elementary schools, its music programs and a huge laundry list of other items.

If instead of rebuilding the Main Library, they gave just the amount of money slated for its parking structure to our schools, our kids would be in a much better position!

Progressive? Let City Council prove it!!

Debbie Ricard
Another discouraged parent of a 2nd grader in our beloved school district