Controversy Over Hayden and ‘Big Green’

In response to “Hayden’s Name a Black Mark on ‘Big Green,’ ” (Part A, Aug. 26):

I was very disappointed that the Times Poll has been persuaded by the mega-corporation opponents of Proposition 128, the Big Green environmental initiative, that Assemblyman Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica) is somehow the key issue. I believe that when the voters step inside the voting booth in November they won’t be worried about Tom Hayden; they’ll be worried about which cancer-causing chemicals were on the fruit they ate for breakfast, what toxins are being flushed onto their beaches, what’s happening to the atmosphere or what they can do to save the redwoods.

Furthermore, I think the questions about Hayden are somewhat naive. It’s quite clear to everyone that public distrust of elected officials is at an all-time high. Almost anything associated with an elected official will be eyed with suspicion.

Finally, the poll should have asked voters several other pertinent questions:

* Do you believe that Dow Chemical, Monsanto, Union Carbide, U.S. Borax, Kerr-McGee Chemical, Chevron oil, major agribusiness companies and the timber industry have your best interests in mind?

* Did you know these industries are planning to spend millions of dollars to kill the Big Green environmental initiative?

* How will that affect your vote?

Let’s see now, should I trust Hayden or should I trust Dow Chemical, Monsanto, Union Carbide . . . ?

RICK RUIZ

Santa Monica