Political Funds

Re “Earthquake Foundation’s Gift Scrutinized” and your April 10 editorial covering the practices of state Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush: I was not surprised about his questionable tactics. Following the Northridge earthquake, homeowners and businesses were in many cases hamstrung by the insurance companies handling their claims. The companies’ reticence to settle with the insured in a timely and equitable manner hampered the county assessor’s office to process claims for misfortune and calamity.

Now we hear about Quackenbush’s deals with insurers to enrich his foundation, the California Research and Assistance Fund. Perhaps the foundation didn’t violate any laws, but I fail to see how a half-million-dollar gift to the Greater Sacramento Urban League figures into research or assistance for the general public. It does make for enhancing Quackenbush’s political aspirations and virtually guaranteeing future campaign contributions. The Urban League provides valuable services, and it should not be judged by Quackenbush’s political shenanigans.

KENNETH P. HAHN

L.A. County Assessor, retired

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I can’t tell you how sick I am of reading of yet another politician acting to enhance his own political power/career/income at the taxpayers’ expense. I live in Oxnard and pay $1,800 per year for earthquake insurance for a home valued in the $200,000 range. And Oxnard has never had a damaging earthquake. I have no doubt that Quackenbush has provided zero scrutiny of insurance premiums.

Quackenbush should be embarrassed by impeaching him or some other visible process, to make an example to other California politicians that his self-serving actions and arrogant attitude are completely unacceptable for an elected official. But the chance of our California Legislature acting in a leadership role is probably too much to ask for. John McCain was right about special interests running our government at all levels (local, state and federal).

TED KUEPPER

Oxnard

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Term limits will serve a useful function in prohibiting Quackenbush from running for reelection. It will be up to the voters to keep him out of office if he decides to run for public office once again. Not that he needs to do so in order to get a job. His experience as insurance commissioner will certainly qualify him to be a lobbyist.

STUART WEISS

Los Angeles