Dear
Editor,
It is
often that I have a chance to be proud of a former student who is doing well in
life after high school. John MacKinnon is one such ex-student, having done well
in high school, college and graduate school by completing his law degree.
He came
back to Santa Maria after college and has been practicing law in the Santa
Barbara County District Attorney’s office for many years.
He has
served there these many years with diligence, good judgment, and an excellent
grasp of the law.
John
attended Ernest Righetti High School and I was one of his algebra and
trigonometry teachers.
He
achieved both with his intellect and effort. His character has always been of
the highest nature. I strongly recommend a YES vote for John MacKinnon for
judge.
Marlin Ashby
Righetti
H.S. Mathematics Teacher (Ret)
Dear Editor,
On June 3rd, 2006, Santa Barbara County voters will have
the opportunity to select the next judge of the Superior Court in Santa
Maria. I am writing to tell you
why I am going to support John Mackinnon for judge. John has experience as a
senior deputy district attorney and has prosecuted members of gangs and drug
dealers. His goal is to keep the community safe. He has
worked for the past 18 months with the Drug Court and the Mental Health Court.
He understands that these programs provide an opportunity for non-violent
offenders to stay out of custody and receive treatment for their illness. Drug Courts save people’s lives and
help them regain their dignity and
their families.
According to the
UC Santa Barbara evaluation, these programs have saved our county
taxpayers millions of dollars each year. It is an honor to know John, and I
would encourage your support.
Penny
Jenkins, Santa Barbara
Dear Editor:
Once again, I find myself distracted from
doing my work, rescuing and re-habilitating injured and orphaned wildlife. In
response to Kay Kuns’ letter published May 15, one questions: what part of many
posted NO HUNTING and NO TRESPASSING signs do poachers and hunters not
comprehend?
There are state guidelines for hunting
waterfowl and small game birds, especially during the spring baby season, which
is upon us now.
I do hope that CalTip was notified of this
violation. The state Department of Fish & Game has a 24/7 hotline to report
any unlawful activity. Its number is (888) 334-2258.
Fish & Game does not grant permission to
trespass on private property, nor permission to use a motor vehicle while in
the area where the use of motor vehicles is restricted or prohibited.
One also wonders, why do the culprits need
legal representation?
That’s my 2 cents worth.
Julia Di Sieno
Executive Director,
Animal Rescue Team, Inc.
Dear Editor,
It has been
my honor to have known John MacKinnon for many years. I know him to be trusted,
experienced and fair. John was born and raised in Santa Barbara County, where
he and his wife are raising their two children. Keeping this community safe
from predators, unsafe conditions, and environmental hazards, is his main goal.
As a senior deputy district attorney, John has helped
keep our community safe, successfully prosecuting thousands of cases involving
violent crimes, sexual predators, attempted murder, child abuse, and many other
cases. This has given him the experience that our community needs in a judicial
officer.
John has worked diligently with the Drug and Mental
Health Court. He has worked carefully in these innovative programs to help
non-violent offenders stay out of custody. As a result, these programs have
saved the county millions of dollars each year, and allowed dozens of women
enrolled in the program to give birth to drug-free babies.
As a community member, he serves as a board member of the
Boys and Girls Club. He educates parents about how to protect their children
from Internet predators, and teaches at the Hancock Police Academy.
John is a patient, fair, and respected member of this
community and will serve us all well when elected.
Please vote for John MacKinnon for Superior Court judge
on June 3.
Helen Hill,
Santa Maria
Dear
Editor,
As the
immigration debate continues, many states, counties and cities across the
nation are taking action within their authority to reduce the negative impact
of illegal immigration. They have made the wise decision to represent their
people and protect their communities, not attempt to pass all responsibilities
to the federal government.
Currently,
the County of Santa Barbara is funding a “AG van pool” pilot program that is
transporting farm workers to their rural jobsites. It is understood by all
involved that the majority of these workers are in the country illegally. The
money for this program comes from Santa Barbara County and Santa Maria, and
will be considered for permanent approval in June.
There are
several glaring problems with this program. Why are taxpayer dollars being used
to subsidize agribusinesses labor transportation? Most importantly, the program
is in violation of federal law. Section 274(a) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act specifically addresses the transportation of those “reasonably
known” to be in the U.S. illegally. It also specifically states that anyone
guilty of transporting those here illegally, including “local government,” is
committing a federal felony.
Like so
many others, the board of supervisors and the Santa Maria City Council have
adopted a “don’t ask, don’t tell” stance on illegal immigration until legally
challenged. This policy is not in the best interest of the county or the
quality of life of its citizens.
C. Smithers
Santa Ynez
In
response to our article about the suicide prevention barrier proposed for the
Cold Springs Bridge, a reader wrote:
Wouldn’t
it be neat if the money for the bridge “enhancements” could be used by Santa
Barbara County mental health to help people NOT want to jump from any bridge
anywhere!
Just a
thought!