Mailbag: Ben Carlson statue needs more detail about his sacrifice

As a boardwalk runner, I pass by the Ben Carlson statue about five mornings a week and always notice the many people who stop to view and appreciate its beauty. Like the John Wayne statue at the airport, it stands as a fitting tribute to a local citizen.

Surprisingly enough, nowhere on the statue is it explained that Carlson died in the line of duty, attempting to save a swimmer in distress. The only clue that he died is the dates of his birth and death.

As locals, we all know the reason for the statue, but for a visitor there may be some puzzlement. I overhead one mother, answering her young son’s query regarding the statue, with the explanation that he must have been a champion in some lifeguard competitions.

Obviously, the lack of an explanation on one of the plaques is not due to a lack of space, for there was room for the names of the mayor, the City Council and members of the Arts Commission. The addition of seven little words could provide the necessary explanation: “He died trying to save a life.”

Bill Garrett
Huntington Beach

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Herdman would be a responsive member

Over the past few weeks the residents of Newport Beach have had several opportunities to listen to and evaluate the candidates for our City Council at forums held throughout the city. Many thanks are owed to the groups who are generously hosting these events!

Among the candidates we have heard, Jeff Herdman stands out. He is concerned about the direction the city seems to be going, a concern shared by longtime residents like me, who are saddened and alarmed to see our town being nibbled away by overdevelopment and clogged with traffic.

Herdman is committed to preserving our charming villages and neighborhoods, and so are we. He feels we can do so by closely following the General Plan and enforcing our building codes. These actions, even by themselves, will go a long way toward addressing the runaway development and traffic that concerns us all.

He is thoughtful, hardworking, responsive, ethical, informed about the issues and likable. I know he will always be available to hear and respond to our concerns and I will enthusiastically vote for him in November.

Andrea Lingle
Newport Beach

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Clinton did not lie about Lewinsky

I enjoyed Denny Freidenrich’s letter in the Daily Pilot (“Hypocrisy a bad quality in politicians,” Sept.17) but I feel compelled to point out a common misconception. Bill Clinton did not lie about Monica Lewinsky, the White House intern.

He said, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, not one time.” He did not say he didn’t “have sex with that woman,” as so many people seem to remember it. The definition of sexual relations is sexual intercourse.

Robert Crawfis
Huntington Beach

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Democrats are micasting Trump as racist

I found the article by Jamshed Dastur quite insulting (“Republican voters need to soul-search,” Sept.23). The media has done a fine job portraying Donald Trump as a racist bigot. He was never described in this way until he decided to run for president.

Trump has employed tens of thousands of females and minorities for decades. If we want to look into bigotry, look back at the Democratic Party, who for decades have suppressed minorities. I am a woman, and Hispanic, and am not voting for Hillary Clinton because of her dishonesty, unethical behavior and dismal record as secretary of state.

I would not, however, judge Democrats and ask them to do any soul-searching because I somehow felt they were all racist bigots because they are not voting the same way I have chosen to.

Juli Hayden
Newport Beach

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I would like to debate Measure TT

Regarding my challenge to debate the costly and unneeded non-binding Measure TT, I have yet to receive a response from my opponent and one of its chief architects, Jim Fisler. I will contact the Daily Pilot should there be an update.

Alex Reich
Costa Mesa

Editor’s Note: The writer is a candidate for Mesa Water District.