Stinging Comments on Lakin Unfair

* I was appalled to read the article “Chancellor to Inherit District in Fiscal Shape” (Nov. 12).

The article states: “When Thomas Lakin was chosen as the Ventura County Community College District Chancellor four years ago, his charge was to regain fiscal control of a district wracked by financial crisis and personal scandal.” Dr. Lakin was selected over many qualified candidates because he had the leadership skills to begin this enormous task. Let us not forget that.

Dr. Lakin had a vision for the Ventura County Community College District. His vision was not completed because of his unexpected and tragic death. Few people saw Dr. Lakin’s style as autocratic; most viewed him as a man who was self-motivated, a hard worker, fair, a listener and an honest person--a true agent of change.

I hope Dr. Lakin’s two youngest children have not seen comments by Larry Miller, a Moorpark biology teacher and left-wing union activist, stating his opinion of the district’s morale. Could it be that Dr. Miller’s assessment of a D- grade of morale reflected more on Dr. Miller’s attempts to negotiate a labor contract agreement with Dr. Lakin? The fact is Larry Miller had no success in trying to ramrod unnecessary spending through the chancellor’s office.

Lakin’s family, as many in Southern California, are all grieving this Thanksgiving weekend on the first anniversary of his passing. In our eyes, Thomas Lakin was a well-respected, intelligent, compassionate leader in our community. He will always be in our hearts.

ALICE L. COLE

Thousand Oaks