Scrutiny of Candidates Goes Beyond Finances

In regard to your article entitled “Outside Funds Become Focal Point in Races for Congress” (Times, April 19): I think it is also important to note how long each of the candidates has lived in the district, their service to the community (prior to the time they were running for office) and their credentials.

It is also my understanding that Maureen Reagan moved here just to run for Congress. If you check the Republican Party positions she has held, which are listed on her literature, you will find many to be appointive (not elected; it helps to have a famous father who will send out fund-raising letters for you) positions in Washington D.C. If she gets elected, how well can she represent a district she doesn’t know or plan to live in? Maybe she is just planning on getting elected and rejoining her Washington Establishment cronies.

Candidate Bill Beverly is similarly relying on his father’s position and influence, although unlike Maureen Reagan he has lived in the district for quite a while.

I still would prefer a candidate that has his or her own accomplishments and has not relied on patronage or nepotism to get ahead. Washington is screwed up enough already.

MIKE FOURNIER

El Segundo