Coverage of County Sheriff’s Race

Congratulations! You really blasted Judge Bobby D. Youngblood and Linda Calligan, those two upstarts who dare challenge the almighty Sheriff-Coroner Brad Gates (March 30).

It was wonderful how you zeroed right in on those “under-funded” opponents on Gates’ behalf. Trouble is, you shot what you perceived to be small game with a cannon. If the judge--who, of the two, you seemed most vehement against--is that much of a dark horse, how come you went so far to shoot him down?

Not only was the reporter obviously biased, he called in the “big guns,” Tom Fuentes of the Republican Party and General Thomas Riley of South County fame. They gave their sage opinions of the upcoming election all right. Calligan’s lone friend (if you can call it that) was Lauren Ruck, who didn’t help any.

I didn’t hear from any of Youngblood’s friends, however. Was that an oversight, or have you forgotten that the judge was, after all, elected to the bench. Because Gates doesn’t like the white-haired nose-tweaker, did you assume that he has no friends?

I don’t know about anybody else, but your article sure did convince me. There’s just something downright wrong about guys like Gates being so cocky and sure that their wealth alone can get them elected that I’m voting against that man. And, because he’s the only guy I hear about who stands up against people like Brad Gates, I’m voting for Youngblood.

Don’t get me wrong. I still admire your skill in blasting Gates’ opponents. It just didn’t happen to work with me. Who was it said, “You can fool some of the people . . . ?”

ROGER BURCHFIELD

Placentia