Romer Named School Chief

* Congratulations on the selection of Roy Romer as the new superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District (June 7). I’ve lived in Colorado for 34 years and have two children (now adults) who graduated from Denver public schools.

As governor, Romer was the most straightforward, hard-working chief executive I could ask for. He is sincerely involved in issues; he wants to do the “right thing,” and he’ll tell you the 100% truth every time you ask. I know his (and his wife’s) strong commitment to K-12 education, and I believe he is up to the challenges of leading the LAUSD ahead. Colorado grew and improved during his administration; I believe he’s the right person for the job in Los Angeles.

STEVE LAWRENCE

Denver

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Having taught in the LAUSD for the last 17 years, I have little faith in the district’s ability to cure its own ills. As far as your crediting of Supt. Ramon Cortines for “trimming bureaucratic bloat” (editorial, June 7), all I can say is, “Show me the pink slips.” What we are witnessing is a shell game, not unlike those of the past designed to placate an irritated and frustrated public.

This being said, I consider your negative editorial regarding the selection of Romer to be unwarranted. It serves no purpose. If you truly wish to serve the children of L.A. and improve their educational opportunities, then you need to start asking the right questions.

WARREN B. MERRIMAN

Los Angeles

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I, John Q. Public, hereby declare that I will tentatively support the new head of the LAUSD. I am holding my breath. I hope his name stands for Really Oversees Meaningful Educational Reform.

STEVE McCOMBS

Chatsworth