Mailbag - March 8, 2001

This letter responds to David Lansing’s letter regarding Newport-Mesa

Unified School District board member Wendy Leece (“School board trustee

Wendy Leece’s comments are just precious,” Feb. 25).

While I may generally disagree with Leece’s political positions, my

viewpoint is not based on her gender, weight, hairstyle or color. By

printing Lansing’s diatribe, the Daily Pilot added nothing except sexism

to the substance of the important educational issues under debate by the

Newport-Mesa school board and community.

Criticize her political philosophy, the substance of her arguments or

support for her position, but don’t question her beliefs and intelligence

merely because she is a “girl.” Critiques based on negative stereotypes

and discriminatory attitudes are harmful to all women -- even those women

whose political viewpoints you share.

KATRINA ANNE FOLEY

Costa Mesa

o7 * EDITOR’S NOTE: Katrina Anna Foley is a Costa Mesa planning

commissioner.f7

Both sides always need to be heard, politely

We support what Bob Lunde had to say (“Letter attack lacks decency,”

March 1). I think it’s important that both sides of the issue be heard. I

respect also David Lansing’s position, but I think our position needs to

be articulated and printed -- as you have in the paper. So I commend the

Pilot for doing that, and I trust you’ll continue to visit both sides of

the issue.

KENNETH BROUWER

Costa Mesa