READERS RESPOND -- Different views address Ferryman issue

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

If anyone went after a Muslim or a Buddhist the way people have gone

after trustee Wendy Leece because she is a Christian, they would be

called bigots. Apparently, it is only open season on Christians like

Leece and Gil Ferguson. I guess Leece got elected by people who wish

children had an opportunity to at least see the Ten Commandments -- even

as cultural background -- and that the schools could use their time to

educate instead of social engineering.

Perhaps some people were out of town when the results of Ferryman’s

blood alcohol test returned at twice the legal limit. Most people would

have the shame to bow out. But the board is only following their leader,

former President Bill Clinton. It doesn’t matter what you are guilty of

if you’re “wonderful.” Just circle the wagons and wait for it to blow

over. The fact that Ferryman is an adult on the board should make him

more liable for his actions than the students.

LINDA PRIMROSE

Corona del Mar

I really like your new “all Ferryman all the time” format. It

complements nicely the recurring Dennis Rodman coverage and the obsessive

reporting on the “Citizens Against Anything to do With Segerstrom.”

My only question is how high Ferryman will rank on your next DP 103

list. If Rodman was selected, and he’s only a retired basketball player

trying to have a good time, it’s obvious a dedicated public servant with

a recently uncovered, tremendously enormous character flaw should at

least be in the top 10.

He didn’t make it last year, but then he didn’t do anything wrong last

year. If concerned citizens in our community haven’t deposed him by the

time your next DP 103 comes out, I vote for Ferryman.

CHUCK CASSITY

Costa Mesa