From the Monterey County Herald
Serving Monterey County and the Salinas Valley

March 16, 2005

L E T T E R S

Editor:

When County Supervisor Dave Potter's lackluster term of office as a member of the Coastal Commission ends in late May, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez has the option to reappointing him to represent the Central Coast. It is my fervent hope, shared by many conservationists and environmentalists throughout California, that the speaker will nominate someone more eager to protect the coastal zone from the mounting pressure exerted by wealthy, influential developers.

Public opinion polls over the last 30 years have consistently found that most Californians, especially those of us who live along the Central Coast, are adamantly opposed to sacrificing the natural wonders of or magnificent coastline for the questionable "benefits" of ultra-exclusive mansions and resorts that only the economic elite can afford to enjoy.

Potter's voting record clearly demonstrates that he does not share or determination to preserve and protect this irreplaceable national treasure. I urge all who agree with my view to contact Assemblymen John Laird and Simon Salinas to impress upon them the need for Nunez to appoint an effective advocate for coastal conservation. It is critical tat our new commissioner be willing to counterbalance Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's recent development-friendly appointees.

Richard Magruder
Prunedale