Lee Baca

Re “Sheriff Says Foe Offered Him a Deal to Quit Race,” April 28:

I’m no fan of Sherman Block--his arrogance, fiscal irresponsibility, grandstanding and lack of accountability are appalling in a public official. But candidate Lee Baca has one-upped the sheriff in sheer chutzpah by attempting to buy his way sideways into office. Did Baca really say, “There should be a more graceful and more planned change in power than using the might of the electorate”? We the people are very pleased to exercise “the might of the electorate”--that’s how democracy is supposed to work.

BRUCE A. MITCHELL, Los Angeles

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Regarding Block’s claim that sheriff’s candidate Baca offered to retain Block as an unpaid consultant if Baca becomes sheriff: I believe that in this age of negative and nasty politics, this sincere gesture would actually be a compassionate act to assist Block in maintaining a role in the Sheriff’s Department in a manner compatible with his current health status.

The taxpayers would benefit from Block’s continued role because of his substantial experience and knowledge.

ANN HAYMAN YOUNG, Los Angeles

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I am a retired member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and have had the opportunity to work under the direct supervision of both Block and Baca. Sheriff Block is an honorable, ethical professional who is sincerely interested in the welfare of the citizens of L.A. County. If Block were of the belief that his leadership of the Sheriff’s Department was in jeopardy due to his health concerns, he would voluntarily step down from office and he would support the most qualified candidate.

Baca states that Block received a “real gift” from Sheriff Peter Pitchess when he supported Block for sheriff, and that if Block would do for him what was done for Block, he would have nothing bad to say about him. The answer is simple: Block was qualified and the best man for the position. Block will not support Baca because he is willing to serve and Baca is not qualified because of his self-serving interests!

RONALD A. STONE, San Bernardino