Deukmejian Veto of Bilingual Bill

First, may I state that as the principal of Evans Community Adult School, I know on a firsthand basis of the continuing need for language acquisition in our City of Los Angeles. Indeed, your editorial was “right on” in the supporting of increased funding for English as a Second Language classes.

There is an old adage that says, “The risks of change are great, but those of not changing are greater.” With this thought in mind, may I use this letter to second your support and endorsement of adequate funding for ESL educational needs of California in the mid-1980s.

I recognize that there is only so much money in the state to meet all educational needs. However, I believe that there is little doubt in the minds of those who are future-focused that California’s educational budget must be increased by an amount of money necessary to meet all of the recommendations in your editorial. Educational competence, earned by struggling for excellence, cannot be acquired through silence and suffering.

The search for solutions to our educational problems must include a commitment to lifelong adult education.

HARLAN BARBANELL

Los Angeles