Tax money for political ads to push preschools

Re “TV Ads Put Focus on Reiner,” Feb. 20

I must have remarked at least a dozen times to my wife in the last few months, “Who’s paying for all these commercials promoting another level of tax-supported public education?” Imagine my surprise when I read in The Times that tax money is paying for these political ads. State Sen. Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles) correctly observed: “Taxpayer dollars should not be used to sway election results. Do that with campaign money.” How can any California taxpayer disagree with Romero? Rob Reiner should be investigated for misappropriation of public funds.

DEVON SHOWLEY

Cypress

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After reading The Times’ article, I wanted to emphasize how beneficial First 5’s preschool efforts are to the future success of California’s children. Through our partnership with First 5 Marin’s many programs, children who have never attended preschool are given a preschool experience for five weeks on school campuses, taught by their future kindergarten teachers. Parents and children enter kindergarten more confident to participate in the school environment. Children are given vision, hearing and dental screenings. Parents learn how schools work, how to support their children’s literacy and how to access the healthcare system.

Yes, First 5 has put a lot into a public awareness campaign, but I have seen tremendous dialogue across our county that did not exist before their efforts. That dialogue and the collaborations that have come from it give our children the best shot possible at equal opportunities for success.

DANI TARRY

Marin County coordinator

School Linked Services

San Rafael, Calif.