Letter to the Editor -- Roger Alford

Mike Fine, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District director of

finance, has served this area tirelessly for the past 10 years (“School

official decides to leave Newport-Mesa,” Thursday).

I am taking this opportunity to thank Fine for the excellent personal

commitment and the service he has provided. The public does not know how

dedicated the employees of schools and cities are. Fine is a leader in

this area using his skills and time to keep the school board and all of

the district’s volunteer committees informed about the intricacies of

school finance requirements.

Fine and I started with the district about the same time -- Fine as

the assistant finance director and myself as a volunteer of the first

Budget Advisory Committee.

Mine was a learning experience. Fine was attending all of the late

evening meetings and bringing all of us civilians up to speed.

Over the years, there have been many committees that Fine has

attended; I am positive these have been after-hour meetings that have

informed many participating volunteers. These committee meetings are in

addition to daily functions of the district’s financial management and

attendance at frequently contentious late-night school board meetings.

You, the public could say it’s part of the job; but how many after-hour

meetings do you attend for your employer?

The Daily Pilot’s article mentioned many of the district’s problems

and opportunities over the last 10 years.

The most positive is the passing and implementation of the school bond

to rebuild our schools. Fine has served us, the parents and citizens, of

the district so well, it’s difficult to express all of my appreciation.

Thanks Mike Fine for everything. My best to him and his family.

ROGER ALFORD

Newport Beach