Kathleen Brown

It’s no surprise to this voter that Kathleen Brown would try and dictate press coverage of any debates (May 13). In her dismal attempt not to offend any potential voters, she has failed to take definitive stands on issues large and small. I would hope that all three debates are televised regardless of whether Brown shows up or not. Her participation may not be that important, since her “take no position” strategy would produce only slogans (i.e., “1 million new jobs”) rather than substance anyway.

ROBERT LOPEZ

Walnut

Brown’s Republican predecessor in the state treasurer’s office, Tom Hayes, took a careful and measured approach to the selling of California’s public bonds. In her successful bid to unseat him, Brown sniped at his “foot-dragging,” though her suggested alternative of dumping billions of dollars of bonds onto the market would have resulted in a significant devaluation of their worth.

It’s a pity that most Californians will not have read Paul Jacobs’ well-researched May 13 article on Brown’s performance in office. As state treasurer, she has adhered to Hayes’ policy far more closely than her campaign suggested and has shown that she is far more responsible as an officeholder than she was as a candidate. Her present antics as a gubernatorial candidate--the dirty sniping at other candidates followed by holding out an olive branch, and now her refusal to participate in open debates-- smack of more calculating and maneuvering to win the governorship. Winning is more important to Brown than being honest.

BYRWEC ELLISON

Lakewood