Presidential Election

In a column on forthcoming presidential elections (“No. 2 Slot Becomes Crucial in Both Parties,” Op-Ed Page, April 21), Tom Bethell writes about the dullness radiating from both mayor candidates and emphasizing the importance of picking an exciting running mate for each of them.

I think that is a good point--Vice President George Bush and Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis are beyond any help. Bush is running on President Reagan’s record when all the polls indicate that the public wants change in direction for our domestic and foreign policies. And Dukakis stands for more and better jobs, better educational opportunities and better health care, plus he’s against loopholes in taxes. How exciting! That’s like standing up for motherhood, apple pie--and freedom and justice for all.

Now, in order to change this process of hypnotizing Americans to sleep during the election time, I humbly suggest that Bush should pick as his running mate former White House aide Oliver North and Dukakis should pick Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley as his running mate. No question--it’s a politically smart thing to do, too.

It is also my suggestion that Dukakis should adopt Jesse Jackson’s and Gary Hart’s campaign agenda, since those agendas have been so successful in gaining votes. And Bush should have his own summit with Republican leaders and gurus, declaring his independence from Reagan and the unfolding of a new agenda for fall campaign.

I’m afraid if those things does not happen I will go fishing on Election Day. Well, since I do not fish I will leave the town for a drive to Santa Barbara to relax my shattered nerves--shattered by boredom.

ADOLPH DONINS

Oxnard