Gubernatorial debate shows off candidates

Re “Taxes Take Center Stage in Gov. Debate,” Oct. 8

We learned from the gubernatorial debate Saturday that Arnold Schwarzenegger’s biggest regret is that he had pushed too hard and too soon a year ago for his special election initiatives -- but that they were all good ideas even though the voters defeated them.

I agree with challenger Phil Angelides that we have to focus on strengthening education to become competitive in the 21st century.

The governor’s arrogance was most clear when he had a chance to ask Angelides one question. The governor asked his opponent what had been the most fun on the campaign trail. He missed an opportunity to show his interest in his and his opponent’s political differences or the depth of his intellect. Angelides laid out clear plans for a balanced budget, middle-class tax cuts, help for small businesses and education improvement.

LUCIE DE JOUNGE

Santa Maria

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The debate was not only poorly managed, it proved that neither candidate understands the social and economic responsibilities of governing. All classes of people and institutions of our society must be factored into the social-economic model for governing a state, not just the special interest groups or a single economic class. Neither candidate will go down in history as a leader of the people.

ROBERT M. GREEN

San Dimas

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Re “Gov.’s Screen Presence Tips Scales in Dull Debate,” column, Oct. 9

I don’t agree with George Skelton’s take on the debate. Because Schwarzenegger agreed to only one debate, I took his “presence” as that of a “girlie man,” afraid to debate Angelides more than once. I saw why. Standing one on one with Schwarzenegger, Angelides came across as very competent.

JOSEPH OPPENHEIM

San Diego