Stirling and Bentley for S.D. Seats

San Diego County has two seats open in the Legislature this election: retiring Sen. Jim Ellis’ 39th District seat and the 77th Assembly District spot being vacated by Larry Stirling, who is running for Ellis’ seat.

Stirling, who has been in the Assembly since 1980, faces only token opposition from real estate broker Benita Berkson, and is clearly the better choice.

In fact, Stirling probably has the best chance of anyone in the San Diego delegation to match the standards of public service set by Sen. Robert B. Presley (D-Riverside), Sen. John Seymour (R-Anaheim) and Sen. Marian Bergeson, a Republican who represents parts of San Diego and Orange counties.

Stirling is talented and tenacious and takes a keen interest in local affairs. He is considered to be one of the Assembly’s few moderates, those willing to cross party lines to put issues above politics.

He has played a leadership role in addressing the problems of the state’s crowded prison system and the state pension program.

But Stirling’s tenacity has sometimes gotten in the way of reason and good judgment.

The most telling example of this was his crusade against San Diego defense attorney Alex Landon, which cost Landon his job as director of Community Defenders Inc. and prompted county supervisors to change their plans to contract with Community Defenders to provide indigent legal defense. Landon had been accused 16 years ago of helping with a prison escape in which a guard was killed. Investigations at the time found no basis for criminal charges, and an investigation prompted by Stirling concurred. Stirling’s role in the matter exceeded that of watchdog.

Observers say Stirling can also be heavy-handed and abrasive, a style that can impede his effectiveness. We hope the quieter atmosphere of the Senate mutes this trait.

In the 77th Assembly District race, Republican Carol Bentley, Ellis’ top aide, is running against El Cajon attorney Sam Hornreich. Bentley has 16 years’ experience as a legislative aide and knows the needs of the district’s constituency well. Hornreich has no legislative experience.

We recommend votes for Larry Stirling and Carol Bentley.