Political Nepotism in Governor’s Office

It’s all in the details. It seemed fine to me if Chad and Cadee Condit wanted to quit Gov. Gray Davis’ office in protest of his remarks about their father (Aug. 29). Then your article supplied the following information: Cadee, at age 24 and a “personal assistant” to the governor, was earning $52,644 a year, and Chad, at age 34 and an expert on “agricultural issues,” was earning $110,856. This at a time when the state is stiffing providers for medical payments. Where I work, Cadee’s salary would require a PhD, several years of experience teaching and publishing, and the stresses of preparing for tenure; Chad was paid the equivalent of a full professor of very senior rank--some 30 years’ experience.

What exactly did Cadee and Chad know that our UC professoriate does not know? Why they knew the governor! Davis is just sinking in this kind of crap. He is failing to help the people of California while he supports nepotism. As for Chad and Cadee--your dad is a sleazeball, don’t you get it?--and welcome to the real world where salaries like you received have to be earned with something more than friendship.

Michael Monteon

UC San Diego

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Can you please explain what background a 24-year-old would have to justify a $52,644 salary or $110,856 for her brother? People like teachers, nurses, firemen, policemen, members of the armed forces and thousands of others are doing some good in this world and not making money like that. A “personal assistant” on taxpayers’ money? Something smells here.

Robert Scheiperpeter

Pacific Palisades