Gubernatorial Candidates Debate Issues

Even when given the rare opportunity to present bold, viable proposals for California and to demonstrate herself as the “candidate of change,” Feinstein did neither.

Her only truly specific proposal involved changing the lottery rules to increase the amount of monies to schools and reduce the amount to players. Anyone who has been following lotteries around the country knows that the vast majority of people play the game to win big prizes, not to be altruistic and help the schools. When you reduce the prizes, you reduce the participation.

And as Wilson explained to her, the schools would then be receiving a larger piece of a shrinking pie. By making such a proposal, Feinstein demonstrated her inexperience and naivete, not an ability to make bold and viable proposals.

She also failed to convince this voter that she is the candidate of change. She follows in the footsteps of Michael Dukakis and Walter Mondale by promising all things to all people.

Her acceptance of huge campaign contributions from a state employees organization is an ominous sign of things to come. Her failure to back up her rhetoric with a record of consistency and success in management, crime and taxes merely serves to alert the public that voting for Feinstein would be like playing the lottery--you never know what the results are going to be.

E.F. STROM

West Hollywood