Car Loan Proposal Needs Some Thought

I was pleased to read of Frank Schillo’s proposal to provide low-cost car loans for the needy, believing him to be compassionate and innovative. I agree that in California a car is probably a necessity for job performance.

But obviously Schillo has little experience at being needy or he would be aware that, laws being what they are, in a lot of instances you find yourself working to support your car.

My son has been there and done that, trying to make a living for his family as a new roofing contractor at a time when the state economy was at its lowest. He was also an auto mechanic and fixing up old cars had been a specialty. That led to nothing but trouble in a state that is trying to get old cars off the road.

My advice: Talk this over with the highway patrol. I doubt that they would recommend this move.

LOU TAPPON, Ventura

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Thank you, Supervisor Frank Schillo!

Unlike many elected politicians, Schillo is trying to address major regional problems by proposing new and refreshing ideas rather than sitting back and criticizing what other agencies are or are not doing.

It was refreshing to recently read about his proposal to create an auto loan program for welfare recipients that a local credit union has expressed interest in supporting. I don’t know the details, but it’s about time for government to reexamine its role in serving area residents and businesses.

If it is not a sound program and does not make good business sense, I am sure the Board of Supervisors will not support the program, but let’s at least give this new look to helping the less fortunate a chance before we dismiss it simply because it’s never been done before.

I find it amazing to read how Jere Robings was quoted as saying how it is “OK to support housing subsidies but not vehicle subsidies. I think we have stepped over the line.” Jere, have you even read the proposal?

I also find Assemblyman Tom McClintock’s comments even more comical. Even though he has admitted knowing nothing about the details of the proposal, he still managed to label the idea as “completely nuts.”

Now if Ventura County and Southern California had a mass transit program like most of the country, we would not need a program like this. Oh, but wait a second. That would take commitment and vision--something very rare in our elected representatives these days.

I for one plan to read the proposal before I render an opinion. How about you?

GRAHAME WATTS, Thousand Oaks