LETTERS LETTERS (August 25, 2004)

Poizner's mailer attacking Ruskin had facts wrong

Editor:

I was surprised and disappointed to receive a mailer from Republican State Assembly candidate Steve Poizner attacking his opponent, Democrat Ira Ruskin.

Coming from someone who claims to be a "reformer" this struck me hypocritical, and very much "politics as usual."

The mailer was riddled with factual errors and misleading statements. For example, the mailer lambastes the Redwood City Council for abusing eminent domain and states "current mayor Jeff Ira didn't vote for the plan, and apologized on behalf of the city." In fact, Mayor Ira has been a supporter of the downtown theater, and didn't vote due to a potential conflict of interest.

Additionally, council member Foust and I were not on the City Council at the time this vote took place.

It is a big district, so I can forgive Mr. Poizner for not understanding the issues, but I would expect that he would do his homework before putting out suchccc a hit piece.

If Mr. Poizner wants to use his immense wealth to promote his own qualifications, I can accept that. But if hewants to use his money to tear down a dedicated public servant, that's another matter.

I believe Ira Ruskin is one of the most honest, hard working people I've known, either in public or private life. He represents the best ideas, ideals and aspirations of the citizens of our district, and more importantly, he has his heart in the right place.

Thanks in part to Mr. Poizner's cynical weekend hit piece, I am more convinced than ever that Ira Ruskin is the right person to represent us in the State Assembly.

Ian Bain, member
Redwood City Council

Stanford will replant Sand Hill Road trees

Editor

The Almanac's Page 3 photograph August 11 of construction at the corner of Sand Hill Road and Junipero Serra Boulevard illustrates that work is well underway on the Sand Hill extension project.

We would like your readers to know that the disappearance of trees along Sand Hill Road between Santa Cruz Avenue and the San Francisquito Creek bridge is only temporary.

The Sand Hill Road project includes a landscaping plan to restore the canopy of trees along the roadside and in a new median. Healthy native trees were removed, boxed and are being cared for until they can be replanted once construction on that part of the project is completed later this year. A drawing of the landscaping plan can be viewed online at www.sandhillroadproject.net.

Jean K. McCown
Director of Community Relations
Stanford University

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