Note to Parker: Guns Shoot People

The reasons that former Monterey County sheriff’s deputy and SWAT team member Louis Parker should not get his job back are that his carelessness hurt innocent people, and cost the county over $500,000. The Monterey County DA’s Office said it was an accidental shooting, but there were several safety protocols ignored by Mr. Parker. The gun did not need to be brought into the shop in order to have the case personalized. The gun should not have been loaded. The gun had a safety which could have prevented an accidental discharge. And last, but usually first in firearms training, guns should not be pointed at anyone.

If Mr. Parker were to have another accident, I would not want to be representing him. I’m wondering if he is allowed to carry a concealed weapon now that he is no longer a deputy.—Kelita Smaith | Carmel Valley

MS: A Complicated Picture

Tey Roberts [Letters, Jan. 6th] is correct: not all persons with Multiple Sclerosis undergo deterioration. About 20% have a benign form and remain well even without treatment. At least 50% of those who begin medications early have been shown to have little or no progression in disability after ten years.

MS may be at least four different diseases, and individual patients may have disease processes from benign to malignant. To help those for whom the best pathway is not possible or affordable, to support the unpredictable natural course of the disease process over time, is MSQLP’s mission.
—Lotte Marcus, Ph.D. and Gerard M. Lehrer, MD | Carmel

Editor’s Note: Dr. Marcus is the founder of the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Project.

Greedy Developers Suck

In case you haven’t noticed, without regard for the community, the churches, businesses, civic groups, HUD, the Army Corps of Engineers, local contractors, doctors, lawyers, and citizens, Sam Farr and Jim Nakashima convinced a grand jury that Rippling River must go.

Haven’t we all had enough of developers taking over our county? —Chris Sauer and Phil Seymour | Rippling River, Carmel Valley

Let the Public Roar

The fact that Rancho San Juan opponents collected over 16,000 signatures to put Rancho San Juan to a public vote proves that democracy is alive and well in Monterey County.

RSJ will significantly impact the county’s economy and environment and will actually produce a net loss of affordable housing. (Jobs generated at RSJ will create more competition for housing, and the average-priced home will be $530,000 or more!)

I’m not surprised that so many residents were willing to sign the referendum petition, and that petition circulators were determined to collect signatures despite the busy holidays, stormy weather, and the flu.

I’m also not surprised that with growing frustrations with county elected officials, voters want to decide on whether or not the County should allow 14 pages of General Plan amendments to accommodate what the developer wants.

One amendment exempts RSJ from a policy that prohibits development unless traffic problems are fixed first. Another exempts RSJ from a policy prohibiting development on valuable farmland.

Did the three supervisors who voted for RSJ capitulate to special interests? You bet! I’m glad it’s likely the public will have an opportunity to vote. —David Smith | Marina