READERS RESPOND -- A community divides itself

I read a letter to the editor from Hank Adler of Irvine concerning his

idea of a punishment for trustee Jim Ferryman (“Public embarrassment

punishment enough for Ferryman,” Oct. 11). While I am in agreement of

almost all of Adler’s comments, there is still one thing that troubles

me. Ferryman is a member of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District that

instituted a zero-tolerance policy for the students of this district. For

just one mistake, a student, who of course is just a human being and

human beings make mistakes, is removed from the school he or she is

attending, labeled as a zero-tolerance violator and sent to another

school.

This student loses the peer support group and the school friends they

have grown up with. But should Ferryman be allowed to stay on the school

board and keep his professional standing in the community, the support of

the board, etc.? For the very same crime of drunk driving, the courts

would impose a penalty, and a student would be subject to zero-tolerance

policies. Why are some people holding Ferryman to a different standard?

BILL PEMBERTON

Costa Mesa

I am totally outraged by the comments of Wendy Leece about Jim

Ferryman (“Trustee: Ferryman should resign if guilty,” Oct. 5). Where

does Leece even get the gall to comment on a situation that has nothing

to do with his ability to govern our schools? Leece should take a lesson

on civic duty from Ferryman, a man who has given his heart and soul to

the community for a very long time.

I find it outrageous that she, the supposed devoted Christian she

claims to be, would even speak about this matter publicly until all the

facts are known. And even if guilt is found, we are all human and prone

to make mistakes. Forgiveness is the foundation of Christianity. To

suggest that a man of Ferryman’s record of community service should step

down from his public seat because of a mistake such as is alleged is

totally uncalled for. I think Leece owes him a public apology and a big

thank you for his devotion to our community no matter what the outcome.

JEFFREY W. WILCOX

Costa Mesa

This is regarding columnist Steve Smith’s comments on the need for Jim

Ferryman to resign as a Newport-Mesa Unified School District Trustee

(“Leaders need to do, as well as say, what’s right,” Oct. 20). I was a

teacher in public education for 34 years (28 in Newport-Mesa). I can

readily confirm there are some in the profession, as in most occupations,

that are bad examples for young people because of their use of alcohol.

Ferryman joins the list. My opinion is that people who really care about

the futures of our youth simply believe and act in uncompromisingly sober

ways -- not relying in any way on alcohol for excuse or escape.

Sadly, too many persons past and present affecting our youth have

“gotten away” with substance abuse. It would be hopeless to expect

certain offending adults, parents and school personnel to grasp the

consequences of their alcohol use, but I certainly expect an elected

school official to.

I state as a former teacher, taxpayer and die-hard supporter of firm

standards in all regards in public education that this is a no-brainer.

Based on his poor behavior and example, “trustee” Ferryman should

resign immediately.

DON BEATTY

Newport Beach

Before we throw any more stones at Jim Ferryman, maybe it would be

wise to publish an article pointing out how much alcohol one must consume

in order to be over the legal limit.

Then before picking up the next stone, we can figure how many times we

have made the same “mistake,” but simply didn’t get caught.

ANN MARIE JOHNSON

Corona del Mar