Clear Thinking From Silva

* I take great exception with your May 12 editorial (“County Benefits in Keeping Safety Net From Unraveling”), trying to find some moral high ground against Supervisor Jim Silva. Silva’s view on the Community Social Program Grants does not warrant this attack.

First, you fail to mention that the county is bankrupt and Silva has been consistent to his word with regards to taxes and the recovery. The Times blasted Silva on the Measure R [sales tax increase] as the only way out of the crisis. Can you retract your unkind words now that Silva is leading us out of the bankruptcy?

Charity begins at home. If a group is legitimate, it will have a 5O1(c)3 exemption from the federal government. The pittance from the county, as you described it, does not give them any more legitimacy; it just takes away from citizens the right to choose their own charity.

Silva supports his church, is a member of the Orange County board of the Boy Scouts of America, and, on a personal level, supports an Olympian athlete in his home. Your editorial stated that Silva has no quarrel with the work the groups do, and supports the charities personally. We should all be as giving and clear thinking.

As far as the minuscule amount in the county budget, I would much rather see those funds returned to our cities, who can put it to the benefit of all. Where do you suggest they draw the line on charitable giving? I’ll bet those charities that received the “minuscule” $40,000, in this year alone, are favorites of the other four supervisors.

KEN NEIN

Huntington Beach