Editor's Note: Due to the large volume of mail we received concerning the upcoming election, many letters in this week's issue were substantially edited for length. We have kept the ideological content of these letters intact.

28th Assembly District

I would like to thank Assemblyman Peter Frusetta for his years of dedication to the 28th District. Assemblyman Frusetta has conducted his job with pride and has been a role model to the community.

In contrast, we have Simon Salinas now running for this honorable position. Has this district forgotten the accident that Salinas caused a few years ago? Salinas was driving after he had been drinking. How can we trust him to uphold the laws of this land when he can''t even follow them?

Actions speak louder than words; my vote will be for Jeff Denham.

Stephanie Vasquez,
Salinas

Law ''n'' Order Denham

Jeff Denham is a born leader, with many successful business accomplishments. He has been a teacher and he knows how to improve California''s educational system. For good reasons, numerous law enforcement agencies support this man of morality and integrity. Jeff will be hard on crime and uphold the three-strikes law. He will make health care costs totally deductible, and will give patients and doctors more control over medical treatment decisions.

He has served our great country as an AirJeff''s God-oriented lifestyle appeals to both Republicans and Democrats. I trust Jeff Denham, you can, too.

Ruth E. Krotzer,
Marina

A Matter of Choice

Monterey County Supervisor Simon Salinas and agribusinessman Jeff Denham are slugging it out in the 28th State Assembly District. This Central Coast district, which stretches from the southern tip of San Jose to the end of Salinas Valley, offers a clear opportunity to send a pro-choice legislator to Sacramento.

Monterey County Supervisor Simon Salinas has been a strong supporter of Planned Parenthood and is 100 percent pro-choice. He has been an active supporter of the POSTPONE project, which works to reduce teen pregnancy, and he supports sexuality education.

Since March, anti-choice Republican Jeff Denham has refused to commit on the issue by making contradictory statements about his position. Jeff Denham says that education is his issue, not reproductive rights.

If Jeff Denham won''t discuss reproductive health care while a candidate, he can''t be trusted to protect reproductive rights if elected.

Eileen Tremain, Planned Parenthood
Advocates Mar Monte, Monterey

Airport Board

Refreshing Change

I had the good fortune in meeting Steve Dallas, who is running for the Monterey Peninsula Airport Board District, the other day.

What a great personality, bright, extremely enthusiastic and willing to take the time to discuss all the major issues with me, which need to be dealt with at the airport.

T. Scott Del Buono,
Monterey

Airport Needs Help

What has happened to our airport? We need help. We need it desperately. We have lost our major airlines, there is pollution, serious contamination, noise...and what is being done? What has been accomplished in solving these very serious problems?

The answer to our dilemma is a young man born here on the Peninsula who is willing to step in and work hard, giving all he has in making our airport something we can all be proud of again.

Let''s not wait any longer for action on these major issues which are facing the airport district. Vote for Steve Dallas.

Anne Feeney,
Carmel

Airport Action Now!

We need something done now concerning the Monterey Peninsula Airport District, not just promises.

I am casting my vote for Steve Dallas to get these issues done.

Lynn Jefferies,
Monterey

Measure A

Dirty Harry''s Dirty Idea

Clint Eastwood wants to build a development that lies within the Del Monte Forest (houses, hotel units, commercial uses, golf course).

If this project, in its present form, had been submitted to the county in the normal manner for processing, it would likely not have been approved. This is because of its numerous problems that would be difficult, if not impossible to mitigate. The removal of thousands of trees, adverse invasion of the environment, traffic congestion, wetlands, to name a few.

But these developers devised a clever end run around all these pesky problems. Solution: 1.) Prepare an initiative to be placed on the ballot. 2.) Devise a sure-fire slogan to get the required petition signatures (what better than, "Sign Here to Save the Forest"?). 3.) Collect these signatures by hiring professionals at $3/signature. 4.) Get a "yes" on the ballot: Clint Eastwood literally enters the picture here in an expensive, slick TV ad with "Dirty Harry" himself standing in the forest.

Of course, this all takes a lot of money, but that seems to be no problem since the developers have already spent a million dollars; the opposition about $18,000.

Clark Beck,
Monterey

True Facts...

The Weekly and other local papers have been deluged with letters from opponents of Measure A that ignore facts about the initiative and use scare tactics to predict dire consequences if it is approved. These allegations are misleading and are not based on a factual analysis and impact of Measure A.

The important facts about A are: 1.) It downzones to open space about 425 acres currently zoned for residential purposes. About two-thirds would be "open space forest" and one-third would be "open space recreational." 2.) Existing zoning for over 850 homesites would be eliminated and key habitat areas identified by environmental groups for preservation would be preserved. 3.) Specific projects contemplated by Measure A would still go through the review process by the county and the state Coastal Commission, with ample opportunity for public input.

As a resident of Del Monte Forest for the last 17 years, I have seen many proposals for the future of the forest. Measure A is by far the best; it deserves our strong support.

Bill Penick,
Pebble Beach

Sierra Club on A & E

Measure A was written and funded by the Pebble Beach Company (PBC) to usher in their latest expansion plans, which are yet to be revealed in detail and which have had NO environmental review. PBC says thorough environmental review will come later and will handle any problems. But our environment, water situation and traffic woes are too important for that much uncertainty. With the upcoming vote on the measure, the public is being given a choice between the current PBC development plan we know to be bad, and this unknown quantity which the developers claim will be better. In fact, the Coastal Commission has recently detailed the potential negative impacts about building in the areas the initiative calls for. Despite the hype, this is not a "green" initiative.

Vote NO on A.

Measure E, the urban growth boundary (UGB), in Marina earned an endorsement from the Sierra Club. Many other cities in California have utilized UGBs to fight the onslaught of urban sprawl, and it is used successfully throughout Oregon. Measure E protects the coast and preserves open space and agricultural land on Marina''s borders. It ensures that Marina citizens, not San Jose developers, will determine the build-out for the city of Marina.

While Measure E protects against sprawl, it allows for reasonable growth--1,500 houses on 300 acres of Armstrong ranch, and the redevelopment of contiguous property on the former Ft. Ord. If more development is desired in the future, the UGB can be changed by a vote of the citizens. Measure E is the most important step Marina can take to chart its own destiny, control sprawl, and protect its quality of life.

Vote YES on E.

Gillian Taylor, Chair,
Ventana Chapter Sierra Club, Carmel Valley

Measure E

What''s to Lose?

As a resident of Marina, I hope other Marina residents are, like I am, opposed to the no-growth Marina 2020 group, and opposed to ballot proposition Measure E they are trying to get passed.

Nobody, me included, is for helter-skelter growth. But what do we have now? Homes with brown lawns and people who park their cars on their lawns. Getting 3,500 gorgeous new homes at Armstrong Ranch would help replace the 10,000-person loss we have sustained, bringing much needed new taxes into city coffers. And the city would look great and be vibrant once again.

John E. Schwab,
Marina

Nutty Things in Marina

If Measure E passes, all the hard work Marina has done for the last eight years sorting through Ft. Ord reuse issues and updating its General Plan will be thrown out the window. Marina intends to strike the right balance between job opportunities and housing opportunities for Marina residents. Restricting Marina to just reuse of Ft. Ord lands, the main point of Measure E, will result in a terrific imbalance of jobs and housing, not to mention aggravated traffic congestion because workers will have to travel through Marina to and from work.

Measure E is problematic in another important way. Transfers of Ft. Ord property to Marina are beyond Marina''s control. In late September, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service ordered all transfers stopped. Until problems with the habitat restoration and management plan are worked out, Marina will sit and wait. Can anyone say how long this will take? Should Marina''s critical community recovery and rebuilding just stop? That''s what Measure E says, and that''s nuts.

Bob McKenzie,
Monterey

Marina

Thanks, Michael...

Thank you to Michael Morrison for bringing up the idea of a comprehensive educational center. I have heard this Marina City Council candidate describe his desire to see us consider the development of a middle and high school center that shares assembly and sports areas. Michael''s idea to utilize the three universities (CSUMB, UCSC and Golden Gate) that are now in the Marina area, to join forces and form some type of a joint power authority is a great approach to creating an educational environment that will attract quality business that require an educated and trained work force.

I am voting for Michael Morrison.

Robert Eggers,
Marina

Mike''s My Man

After attending a candidates'' forum in Marina, I was particularly impressed with one of the candidates for Marina City Council, Michael Morrison. He not only spoke about what he wants to do if elected, he also described what he has already accomplished on behalf of the city as a member of the Marina Chamber of Commerce and vice chair of the city Economic Development Commission.

I once read that people with great ideas are a dime a dozen, but people that can put their ideas into practice are priceless. I am convinced that Michael Morrison falls into the category of the priceless people that do not talk about what they want to do, but have already begun the process.

Paul Vierling,
Marina

Monterey

Vote for Top Dog

If you considered Barbara Bass Evans the "underdog" for Monterey mayor, think again. Barbara has proven her commitment to the issues affecting our local business owners and longtime residents.

She will go to the neighborhoods and local businesses to encourage participation and solutions to our long-standing parking, traffic and growth issues.

Evelyn L. Leham,
Monterey

Barbara for Residents

I recently took advantage of a tour of the city of Monterey sponsored by the current administration. Although I appreciated the opportunity to learn how my city works, I was very dismayed by a comment made by the first presenter of the day, the director of facilities, who said, "The true lifeblood of our city is the visitors." This statement reflects my growing understanding that the major focus of the current administration is to attend to the needs of tourists.

The residents of Monterey deserve a mayor with a new attitude--one who puts us first. That''s why I''m voting for Barbara Bass Evans.

Janet Thoele,
Monterey

Vote for the New Kid

Kathy Clark may be the "new kid on the block," but she certainly is not new to representing her peers and encouraging in decision making. She believes in being pro-active, bringing people together and solving problems.

She has the interest to dedicate her time to listen to the neighborhoods and local businesses. Planning for the future of Monterey, Kathy is committed to addressing traffic, parking and public services concerns that are impacting our quality of life.

It''s not often someone this open, passionate and articulate comes forward to serve; Kathy Clark is truly a community treasure.

Judy Lehman,
Monterey

Pacific Grove

New Leadership Needed

While the current City Council concern themselves with spending a fortune to erect a palatial civic center, the sewer problem is clouding the town''s air with a fetid odor. PG beaches, often closed because of contamination with fecal matter, have become an embarrassment to active residents and the laughing stock of the Peninsula. Current leaders are acting like 18th-century nobility, who constructed personal castles while the people walked through the chamber-pot-strewn streets. The City Council''s arrogance in striking down over 1,600 signatures for a measure allowing a public vote on the new civic center was a slap in the face to anyone who still believes in democracy.

It is time for Susan Goldbeck to be mayor. She is interested in running a city for its people, and will concentrate on fixing the vast and vexing sewer problem. Candidate for council Dan Miller has been called a loud-mouthed, outspoken rabble-rouser, but he is exactly what is needed to wake up certain members of the council.

Mac Talley,
Pacific Grove

Consider Goldbeck

Pacific Grove Mayor Sandy Koffman has been a leader on one issue: She''s lead our Peninsula into the Water Transfer Shell Game which gave us water black marketing. (She also supports a dam on Carmel River.)

Koffman''s many years of approving water transfers directly fueled the mansionization of Pacific Grove--not senior housing. She failed to save any water for senior housing.

Please consider voting for Susan Goldbeck who opposes the dam and black marketing of water.

David Dilworth,
Pacific Grove

Susan for Seniors

I am voting for Susan Goldbeck for a number of reasons. One important issue for me is the development of senior housing. Susan, as publisher of The Beacon, has long advocated this issue.

Lisa Milligan,
Pacific Grove

Goldbeck''s the Queen

I say Susan Goldbeck is the "Queen of Mean It!" She means it when she promises to make fixing our sewers and storm drains, a health and safety issue, her top priority.

She will be a mayor who says she will put the citizens of Pacific Grove first, rather than special interests and special friends, and I believe that when she says this, she means it!

John Kurzenhauser,
Pacific Grove

Sandy''s Dilemma

Pacific Grove Mayor Sandy Koffman has remained conspicuously silent on whether she is for or against Measure A.

Koffman has publicly told voters, "I haven''t decided yet." She appears to be on the horns of a dilemma, she does not want to offend environmentalists she claims to represent, nor the developers or big money she actually does speak for, including the Pebble Beach company, a long-time supporter of her business.

Lance Wiener,
Pacific Grove

Concerning Ralph Nader

Open Letter to Ralph

Your candidacy in this election has been very important. You have raised serious issues that need to be addressed. Through the years, you have been a conscience for the American people.

But now it is your duty to prevent a disaster--to prevent George W. Bush from becoming our next president. The American people stand to lose most of the social, economic and environmental progress we have made in the last 30 years.

As someone who agrees with you on many things and would very much like to see you continue your campaign to educate and enlighten us about the things for which you care so much, I ask you to do the right thing.

If you help Bush win, you will have single-handedly done more damage than any well-meaning person could possible conceive of. Please ask your supporters to vote for Gore.

Katherine Miller,
Seaside

Stealing our Choices

The Democrats at the last minute are now pressing really hard for Ralph Nader to just drop out. Therefore, meaning less choices on the ballot. (Is it any wonder why turnout is so low?)

I suppose if the Dems are entitled to ask Nader to bow out, then the Jacksonville Jaguars ought to be able ask the NFL to retroactively remove the Tennessee Titans from the league. You see, it was those darn Titans last year who gave the Jaguars their only three losses of the season, thus denying them of their rightful place in the Super Bowl. It''s just like Nader "stealing" votes that Gore is otherwise entitled to without the added competition.

Rex Ricks,
Marina

Truly Wasted Votes

Away with partisan wrangling! Let''s commend Bush-Gore for successfully confusing us about that embarrassment to democracy, our greed-driven healthcare system. The World Health Organization ranks us 37th, though we spend more per person than any other country. Thanks, Bush-Gore, for sparring over whose industry-friendly plan is better. Never mind that healthcare remains a privilege, not a right.

Republicans and Democrats won''t take the population seriously until they feel threatened by an alternative. Our most potent card this election is a vote for Ralph Nader. A vote for Bush-Gore is simply a wasted vote.

Peter Kwiek,
Salinas