Robert Citron

* Re “Citron Sentenced to Year in Jail and $100,000 Fine,” Nov. 20:

The $1.64 billion that former Orange County Treasurer Robert Citron gambled away with extremely high-risk securities and questionable accounting methods will come back to haunt us all. How many children’s educations will be compromised because of moneys lost in Citron’s fiasco? How many lives will be lost in automobile accidents because of faulty road maintenance due to lack of funds? How many programs for seniors will be canceled? How many youth counseling centers will be closed?

Worse, these consequences will be devastating statewide, as Citron managed to convince other cities, counties and school districts to go along with his shady investment schemes. Yes, those other agencies have to share blame for being stupid, greedy and gullible, but Citron was the lead man--the veritable Pied Piper.

The minimal jail sentence and fine given to Citron by L.A. Superior Court Judge J. Stephen Czuleger offends all sense of fairness and appropriateness under the law. The judge’s charge that Citron “failed in his oath, failed in his obligations,” can be equally well applied to the judge.

DANIEL LEVY

Santa Barbara

* Here we go again! Engage in a horrendous white-collar crime and get a slap on the hand. Steal a piece of pizza and you are sent to hell. It doesn’t matter whether first or third strike, discrimination is the word!

I’m an “old” senior, so I guess I can now turn to a life of jail-free crime. I’m also white. Lucky me!

HELEN SIMONSEN

Whittier