Choice for Board Pleases Some

Hmm. Let’s see. Pete Wilson supported Proposition 209. Now, Pete Wilson chooses Thomas W. Wilson over a highly qualified woman as the replacement for Marian Bergeson, the only woman on the Board of Supervisors! So, who’s surprised? His action is proof that affirmative action programs are still necessary.

MARYANNE ROSE

Laguna Niguel

* Wilson made a superb choice with the selection of Laguna Niguel City Councilman Tom Wilson to fill Supervisor Marian Bergeson’s unexpired term.

Tom Wilson is a thoughtful statesman. He has been a part of the civic fabric of Laguna Niguel even before incorporation, serving as chair of the old Laguna Niguel Community Council.

His non-doctrinaire approach to public-issue problem-solving will be a valuable contribution to the Board of Supervisors’ deliberations. South County constituencies can at last relate to one of their own in Santa Ana.

Tom Wilson will do a great job!

PHILIP F. BETTENCOURT

Newport Beach

* Notwithstanding the criticism by some that the new 5th District supervisor is not a woman, the governor has made an excellent choice in Tom Wilson. His record shows that he’ll be thoughtful, conscientious and fair in his new leadership role.

Women are very much involved in public-policy decision-making at all levels. Let’s move beyond shallow and divisive expectations that appointments be based on superficial standards such as gender or race. Instead, we should applaud appointments of quality leaders.

JULIE PUENTES

San Clemente