Sounding Board -- Jean Forbath

I would like to thank Bill Turpit for being the voice of reason and

tolerance for many of us in Costa Mesa who feel as he does, but don’t

take the time nor make the effort to speak out (“Job Center changes

appear on horizon,” Sept. 19).

His words and actions to preserve and improve the Westside by

inclusiveness and coalition building show his love for our city much more

than those who see the other as cause for fear and exclusion, and whose

exaggerated claims of lowering property values and failing schools do a

disservice to us all. Unfortunately, they speak very often and very

loudly, giving the appearance of a much greater mandate than they truly

have. However, their fervor in lobbying and voting puts the rest of us to

shame.

I would also like to tell the city staff how much I regret not being

at the council meeting to support their recommendation to maintain the

Job Center and not make any substantial changes in its operation. They

probably rarely hear “Good job” from many citizens. And I regret not

being there to support the mayor and let her know a great many Costa

Mesans appreciate her often lonely battle on issues dealing with the

working poor in our city. I promise there will be many of us at the

council meeting when the Job Center comes up again.

On Sept. 11, we saw the ultimate horror of the destruction that

hatred, intolerance and despair can bring. Our country has come together

as a people as never before. Surely in Costa Mesa we can come together as

a united community, welcoming, sharing, serving, even loving all of our

sisters and brothers.

* JEAN FORBATH founded the Costa Mesa charity Share Our Selves.