Davis and Simon Leave Something to Be Desired

I just watched the (only?) debate between Gov. Gray Davis and Bill Simon (Oct. 8). I am struck by how adept both candidates seemed at dancing around any direct response to a question and falling back on canned campaign rhetoric. I think they are sending us a message, and I propose we send one back--vote for anyone else!

Pat Johnson

Ventura

*

I enjoyed listening to the gubernatorial debate Monday. Both candidates bragged and whined quite a bit and didn’t say all that much about where they stood on many issues. My question to The Times is, where were the other four candidates for governor who are listed in my sample ballot? It would have been just as interesting to hear their takes on what is going on as it was to hear both Davis and Simon.

Iris Delaney

San Diego

*

Perhaps if The Times took more pride in its position of informing the public, Green Party candidate Peter Camejo could have achieved the 15% poll rating you required in order to have him participate in Monday’s debate (Oct. 7). The fault is not his but yours.

Carol Marshall

Yorba Linda

*

Like many others, my wife and I were disappointed with the choices we face for electing our next governor. However, after watching the debate between Davis and Simon, our minds are firmly made up. We’ll vote for Simon!

Eugene F. Burns

La Habra

*

In the wake of the Enron collapse, electricity suppliers’ manipulation of California’s energy grid and catastrophic stock market losses, Davis’ motto during the debate, “Trust me, I’m from the government,” resonates with voters a whole lot better than challenger Simon’s mantra, “Trust me, I’m a businessman.”

Alex Ricciardulli

Los Angeles

*

Re “Latino Caucus Won’t Support Davis Reelection,” Oct. 5:

Because Davis had the guts to veto SB 804 and AB 60, the bills that would have permitted illegal immigrants the privilege of obtaining driver’s licenses, I am going to support and vote for him. Previously, I was not. I still had a problem with the handling of the power plant crisis and blowing the budget surplus. My one lingering question is his seeming to want illegal immigrants to first have a job before getting a license. The jobs are for people here legally.

I believe the Latino Caucus is racist. It should be concerned with getting illegal immigrants, of any stripe, back home and not given the privileges that are due legal immigrants.

Ronald Nelson

Venice

*

The arrogance of the Democratic Latino legislative caucus is reaching new limits. Its members have chosen not to support Davis because he won’t support allowing illegal immigrants to obtain state driver’s licenses. Illegal immigrants are not U.S. citizens and have broken the laws of our country. Why should they be allowed the same rights and privileges of citizens who elected these representatives, pay their salaries and who are supposed to be represented by them? These Latino members of the Senate and Assembly need to rethink their priorities.

Irene O’Bright

Los Angeles

*

Re “Davis Can Expect to Be Haunted by Latino Issues,” by Frank del Olmo, Commentary, Oct. 6: Gov. Davis did the right thing in vetoing the measure that would have allowed illegal aliens to get driver’s licenses. At least now we won’t “be haunted” by the specter of another million drivers on our roads. Del Olmo and Assemblyman Gil Cedillo should look up the definition of “illegal” before being allowed to write another column or introduce any more legislation, because they don’t seem to understand its meaning. Anyone who is here illegally should be deported, not rewarded.

Randle C. Sink

Brea