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4A – Daily News – Friday, June 4, 2010 Opinion The facts on D NEWSAILY RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY T H E V O I C E O F T E H A M A C O U N T Y S I N C E 1 8 8 5 Skillman Editor: I want to respond to a letter from Ronald Dreifort. Greg Stevens, Publisher gstevens@redbluffdailynews.com Chip Thompson, Editor editor@redbluffdailynews.com Editorial policy The Daily News opinion is expressed in the editorial. The opinions expressed in columns, letters and cartoons are those of the authors and artists. Letter policy The Daily News welcomes let- ters from its readers on timely topics of public interest. All let- ters must be signed and pro- vide the writer’s home street address and home phone num- ber. Anonymous letters, open letters to others, pen names and petition-style letters will not be allowed. Letters should be typed and cannot exceed two double-spaced pages or 500 words. When several letters address the same issue, a cross section of those submit- ted will be considered for publi- cation. Letters will be edited. Letters are published at the discretion of the editor. Mission Statement We believe that a strong com- munity newspaper is essential to a strong community, creating citizens who are better informed and more involved. The Daily News will be the indispensible guide to life and living in Tehama County. We will be the premier provider of local news, information and advertising through our daily newspaper, online edition and other print and Internet vehi- cles. The Daily News will reflect and support the unique identities of Tehama County and its cities; record the history of its com- munities and their people and make a positive difference in the quality of life for the resi- dents and businesses of Tehama County. How to reach us Main office: 527-2151 Classified: 527-2151 Circulation: 527-2151 News tips: 527-2153 Sports: 527-2153 Obituaries: 527-2151 Photo: 527-2153 On the Web www.redbluffdailynews.com Fax Newsroom: 527-9251 Classified: 527-5774 Retail Adv.: 527-5774 Legal Adv.: 527-5774 Business Office: 527-3719 Address 545 Diamond Ave. Red Bluff, CA 96080, or P.O. Box 220 Red Bluff, CA 96080 Jonathan Skillman, candidate for judge, has made it clear that he has worked at the District Attor- ney’s office for 19 years. He began his career there in 1991 and has worked for four DAs. He even successfully prosecuted cases as a State Bar Certified law student. He currently has more experience prosecuting in the Tehama County DA's office than any other attor- ney. I also find it commendable that he has refused to indulge in nega- tive campaigning. This kind of integrity is refreshing. John Gentry, Red Bluff Endorsements Editor: I am retired and have lived in Tehama County for the last 15 years. I have spent all my working years as a law enforcement officer. I spent 31 years in southern California law enforcement and retired as a police lieutenant. I then spent another 4 years in Tehama County law enforcement before retiring a second time recently. During my time in Tehama County I have worked with and gotten to know many people in the local criminal justice system. The majority of people in the local sys- tem are very highly qualified, ded- icated, honest, fair and profession- al people who are doing an excel- lent job in their current profession in the system. Tehama County residents are very fortunate to be served by these people. I strongly support the election of these highly dedicated profes- sionals to the offices they are seek- ing. They will serve the residents of Tehama County well: Gregg Cohen for district attor- ney, Jonathan Skillman for judge office 1, Todd Bottke for judge office 2, Clay Parker for sheriff and retiring Undersheriff Dennis Garton for supervisor district 3. Trey Sirks, Red Bluff District Attorney Editor: Regarding Theresia Sweeney’s June 2 letter to the editor. If District Attorney Gregg Cohen begins his day at 4 a.m., I question why on my several com- plaints he was unable to read the Constitutional law and election code and indict Assemblyman Jim Nielsen for perjury. A one-day investigation and for Mr. Cohen to obey his oath, justice would have been served two years ago. Remember voters, cronyism begins and ends on the desk of the district attorney. Donald Bird, Rancho Tehama Pot guidelines Editor: During the present political season, the subject of medical use of marijuana has frequently been a topic of discussion. This has been true during recent candidate night programs, with questions directed to the candidates for district attor- ney and sheriff asking for their position on the matter. As one of the leading experts regarding medicinal marijuana in California, Sheriff Clay Parker has set guidelines in conjunction with Proposition 215 and Senate Bill 420. As everyone is aware, marijua- na has not been legalized. Howev- er persons or caregivers who have a recommendation are afforded a limited affirmative defense if pros- ecuted. Sheriff Parker led the state in trying to establish guidelines for those who are eligible to grow and use marijuana. As long as persons are within California law. Sheriff Parker has said he will not submit the case to the district attorney for prosecution. Sheriff Parker has been meeting with med- ical marijuana patients and caregivers for the past 11 years. He is aware of many marijua- na grows in the county that are in compliance If someone is not in compli- ance, Sheriff Parker tells them so and forwards the information to the marijuana detective for action. Douglas Hatley, Corning Support sheriff Editor: I won't pretend to know what goes on inside the Sheriff's Office because I don't work within those walls. But I have known Sheriff Parker and his wife for more than 12 years. I've known them through the Police Activities League and I sat on the PAL Board for two years with the sher- iff. What kind of a person does it take to be in such a powerful posi- tion? A leader, a well-trained leader. How does he lead? He leads by allowing his deputies to do their jobs to the best of their abilities and backs them up if they've done the job. Again, I'm on the outside looking in but I see him filling in for personnel who have called in ill or on vacation. A compassionate leader. Through PAL I have mentored Your Turn several kids who had no positive role models for parents. Not that those parents were bad people because they were good people with some bad problems. One of those PAL kids grew up to enlist in our United States Air Force. She had to return home last year - even after serving in Afghanistan - to attend her mother's funeral. This young woman wasn't going to be allowed to see her mother before crema- tion. A fee was involved and she didn't have that amount of money, nor did we. But a very kind and com- passionate Mr. and Mrs. Parker stepped in with their own money and she got to see her mom one last time. Clay and Lily Parker have encouraged, through their person- al involvement, several youth organizations over the years. They see the future of this county in our youth. They hope to make a difference. Top heavy department? For those who are pointing fingers, have you even taken a look at your own life or your past job performance? I've spoken to quite a number of folks within the walls of the Tehama County Sheriff's Office and a lot more folks out in town and I'm encour- aged at what they say about our current sheriff. Nearly everyone I have heard speak about Sheriff Clay Parker has stated they feel lucky to have someone in that office who is per- sonable, easy to approach and obviously cares about those that he serves. I hope you really don't want to change what is right in Tehama County. Clay Parker is the right sheriff and no one else. John Minton, Red Bluff Your officials STATE ASSEMBLYMAN — Jim Nielsen (R), State Capitol Bldg., Room 4164 P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento 94249; (916) 319-2002; Fax (916) 319- 2102 STATE SENATOR — Sam Aanestad (R), State Capitol Bldg., Room 2054, Sacramen- to, CA 95814. (916) 651-4004; Fax (916) 445-7750 GOVERNOR — Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), State Capitol Bldg., Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 445-2841; Fax (916) 558-3160; E-mail: gover- nor@governor.ca.gov. U.S. REPRESENTATIVE — Wally Herger (R), 2635 Forest Ave. Ste. 100, Chico, CA 95928; 893-8363. U.S.SENATORS — Dianne Feinstein (D), One Post Street, Suite 2450, San Francisco, CA 94104; (415) 393-0707. Fax (415) 393-0710. Barbara Boxer (D), 1700 Montgomery St., Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94111; (415) 403-0100. Fax (202) 224- 0454. A great class and the end of the year blues Commentary This is a bittersweet time of year for me. I’ve echoed those words in pre- vious columns close to graduation. This year, though, will be espe- cially tough. The Red Bluff High School class of 2010 is, I think, the best overall "class" since 2004. That’s easy for me to say. This is a special group of kids. I thought the other day what it was about them that I appreciated so much, and I realized it was they who made a difference in my life. Simply put, the class of 2010 brought me back to being "me" again. For that, I am truly grateful. Teaching can be a difficult experience. I’ve seen colleagues retire frustrated, burnt out, and bit- ter. Inwardly, I vowed to never be like that. But it’s hard sometimes. Being a part of the public school educa- tion system can jade even the greatest optimists among us. If the bureaucrats and suits across the state would just leave us alone, we might get something done. Too many folks out there want a piece of the pie. They want to influence what’s happening in classrooms and athletic fields. They want to dictate policy while ignoring the consequences where it matters most – in the trenches. What’s really sad about educa- tion is that everything comes with a price. Seemingly, there are endless conditions to everything. A "one size fits all" philosophy just doesn’t work. Some are more concerned with promoting their own agenda rather than doing what’s best for kids. All this achieves is confrontation and cynicism. In the midst of trying to educate kids, this can be a real drag. Thankfully, I had my seniors to help me get through all that this year. Day after day, they lifted my spirits and reminded me of what’s really important. I listened to their hopes and dreams. I read about their own per- sonal discoveries, whether through pain and sorrow or laughter and joy. One thing adults tend to forget is that our kids are human, too. Personally, I feel better know- ing this group of young men and women will be headed out into the real world. They will take their place as a scholar, a serviceman, or an employee. Eventually, they will become a husband, a wife, and a loving father and mother. I trust that they will make good choices and become excellent citi- zens. And I know, someday, they will raise good kids because they are, in fact, good kids themselves. So, congratulations to all of you parents of this class. You should be proud. I know I am. **** your copy. I’m also looking for- ward to having my book placed at Fact and Fiction on Walnut Street very soon. **** Lastly, with all the "junk" going on in the world right now, I’ve Pat The "Best of Simply Put" book tour continues. Many have asked about it and I’m trying my best to stay "out there" at least one day each weekend. Tonight, I will be back at E’s Gleason Simply Put walk. Open your eyes, breathe the air Locker Room starting at 6 p.m. I would like to use this space to thank those who have supported me thus far: E’s Locker Room, M&M Ranch House, Luigi’s Pizza and Countryside Café. Also, feel free to stop by the Copy Center anytime to pick up and take a good look around. Have a great Friday. ——— Pat Gleason grew up in Los Angeles and has taught English at Red Bluff High School since 1990. He can be reached at phgleaso@rbuhsd.k12.ca.us. made the conscious decision not to write about any of it. Throw on top of that some of the horrific stories of death we’ve been reading about in newspapers, is it any wonder we can keep our sanity? I encourage those who read this space to turn off the television, chuck your paper, put on your tennis shoes and go take a long