CORRESPONDENCE

I am writing to object to the misinformation in “‘Garofalo bashing’

diverts people from real issues” (Aug. 24). I’d suggest the writer open

his eyes to the real world. If he did, he’d see the true picture.

In the real world, a few wonderfully honest, courageous citizens are

trying to get an honest City Council. I’m talking about Debbie Cook, who

has served the city well for many years and has courageously decided to

run for office for the first time. She was accused by the writer of

running last time. Connie Boardman is running again, which takes a great

deal of courage when she came within 200 votes of winning in the last

election.

The mayor is doing the city a disservice by staying on the council

when he cannot participate in “the real issues” the writer is talking

about.

At one hearing, he was absent “because he was helping his recently

married daughter move.” What a sham.

EILEEN MURPHY

Huntington Beach

The only thing [Bob] Polkow got correct in his mean-spirited letter is

the fact that all of us should look carefully on those on the ballot. I

can assure you that’s what we do in Huntington Beach Tomorrow.

Stating that the women in question have “come out of the closet”

demonstrates Polkow’s complete lack of knowledge concerning their

activism within our community.

I met Debbie Cook more than a decade ago when she co-wrote Measure C

(to protect our parks and beaches from commercial development without

voter approval). Huntington Beach Tomorrow was anxious and proud to help

sponsor the initiative. Cook went on to gather the signatures necessary

to get it on the ballot and then went on to law school in order to defend

the measure should future lawsuits arise. Polkow’s “silent majority”

approved Measure C by almost 75%.

Likewise, I met Connie Boardman when she served as president of the

Bolsa Chica Land Trust several years ago. She is equally interested and

active within our community. We have worked together on several

quality-of-life issues -- not just the Wal-Mart or the Bolsa Chica mesa.

She never “ran” against Cook in any election I’m aware of.

Barbara Boskovich has arguably the longest record of service of the

three. She’s been active with AYSO, law-enforcement groups, her church

and her neighborhood for more than 20 years. I met her when Huntington

Beach Tomorrow took a stand against adult businesses (the nude juice bar)

about three years ago.

Without exception, each of these women have worked to make our

community a better place. I would hate to think of what this city would

be like without their input, integrity, plain hard work and tenacity. I

trust each of them and value their friendship and support.

BOB BIDDLE

President

Huntington Beach Tomorrow

Resident’s ‘attitude’ agrees with minority

I had some difficulty following Don Williams’ comments in his letter

of Aug. 31 (“Reporting shows ‘mess’ Garofalo has made”). He asks us to

look at the recent Wal-Mart issue. I would like to remind Williams that

the majority of voters were forced to decide the outcome of this “issue”

that was opposed by Connie Boardman, Debbie Cook, Barbara Boskovich, and

a small group of Crest View residents.

It seems Mayor [Dave] Garofalo was in tune with the majority of his

constituents. He also questions rent control because, as he puts it, “I

have rentals in Huntington Beach, and they have treated me quite well. I

try not to take advantage of my tenants . . .” I didn’t know one had to

“try” not to take advantage of anybody. If so, maybe that’s why we need

rent control.

Obviously, he takes a very narrow view of any situation. Stand back,

Williams, it’s a big world out there; our mayor didn’t create it. You may

find that your attitude only agrees with a small minority.

BOB POLKOW

Huntington Beach