Grudges Taint Truth and “Nothing Left”

May 6, 2003

Dear Editor,

Once again, Mr. Gruber has done a disservice to the residents of Santa Monica by giving them false information. (“WHAT I SAY: Madison Site, etc.,” May 5)

Both Commissioner Dad and myself strongly supported the change in the law that would allow three existing neighborhood markets to continue to operate and not be forced to close, which the law as previously written required.

Additionally, I led the effort to come up with a way that the Fair Market on 4th Street could stay open in the evening longer than the market's previous approval allowed.

As a direct result of this effort, which Commissioner Dad also supported, the neighbors will now have access to the market in the evening well past the market's former legally mandated closing time of 7:30 p.m. This will allow the market to be more financially viable and provide greater convenience to the neighborhood.

In acting out on his long held personal and political grudges, Mr. Gruber has abdicated his responsibility to the truth, and in turn, his responsibility to your readers.

Kelly Olsen
Planning Commissioner

May 5, 2003

Dear Editor,
There were several errors in Eric Roth's letter to the editor that I would like to clear up. ("“Shared Sacrifice' Needed at SMC," May 5)

First, the cuts that SMC took last year emptied the reserves. There's nothing left.

Second, funding for the Madison Theater is coming from private donations, including state and federal grants (Measure U is also excluded).

Third, there are teachers at SMC that make over $100,000 (as well they should), so using monetary amounts as a justification for firing personnel is not wise.

By that rationale, we should fire teachers that make too much money.