Support for Killea

I think your description of Lucy Killea’s work in the Assembly (“GOP Gains Edge in Voters, Gears Up Campaign to Oust Killea,” May 8) was clearly biased. I have worked with Lucy on numerous projects, and I support her candidacy because I think she is extremely effective in the Assembly. I would like to correct some of the misperceptions conveyed by the article.

First, as a freshman Assembly member, Lucy had the option of being the vice chair of the important Transportation Committee and also chairing a standing subcommittee on welfare reform, dealing primarily with “workfare.” It was never a question of Lucy being “assigned” to the Ways and Means Committee by the speaker. Lucy never asked for it because she had perhaps a more perceptive approach on how to be an effective legislator than some of her colleagues. With 23 members, the largest committee in the Assembly, Ways and Means has been described by capital observers as “a zoo.” Lucy sits on the equally important Rules Committee, which decides which bills go to which committees--and therefore which bills are likely to get past the first committee into Ways and Means. With only seven members, this committee suits Lucy’s style of quiet effectiveness.

Second, your article said that detractors call Lucy “timid and confused.” One of Lucy’s genuine strengths as a legislator is her understanding of both sides of an issue and her willingness to explore nuances. This open-minded approach to problem-solving is what has made her popular with thoughtful Republicans and independents and why her voting record does not toe any line. To some, especially to blind ideologues, this thoughtfulness may seem like hesitation, but to many who know her it represents intelligence and political courage.

Third, you quoted an unidentified legislator as calling Lucy “everybody’s grandmother.” This is truly a distortion and a caricature. Lucy’s day begins with a 6 a.m. run, and she regularly competes in races on the weekend, including half-marathons.

Fourth, I would like to emphasize a point that your article mentioned only briefly: that Lucy was made a target for defeat even before Republicans found a candidate to oppose her. I think voters resent legislators from outside their district trying to determine how they should be represented. I am opposed to Sacramento politicos hand-picking and financing an inexperienced unknown to run against an effective and popular member of the Assembly.

Finally, your article did not mention that, despite the highest concentration of Republican voters in any legislative district held by a Democrat, Lucy Killea won in 1984 with 66% of the vote--topping even President Reagan’s margin of victory in the district. As I have pointed out, there are good reasons why thoughtful voters--Republicans, Democrats and independents--vote for Lucy Killea in the 78th Assembly District.

HOWARD CHERNOFF

San Diego