Letters to the Editor

Feels like a ski town to me

Dear Editor:

This letter is in response to Ken Warner’s letter in last week’s Sheet. Ken, I do not know you so if your letter was an attempt at sarcasm or humor, then my question is moot. However if you truly believe that Mammoth does not “feel” like a ski town, then my question to you is this: “Do you ski?”

After living here for 20 years and spending more than 2,000 days on the hill it sure seems like a ski town to me and the world class skiers that I ski with. What is this “feel” that you seek? If you are the type of “skier” who needs amenities, well then you can shop at Tonik or First Street Leather, you can eat at Shogun, Burgers or Giovanni’s. Go get a massage or pedicure at Snowcreek.  Anyone who thinks a Main Street redevelopment will make Mammoth more desirable for skiers must not have seen the 23,000 or so skiers on the hill on any given day during the holidays. It has gotten old, hearing people complain about Mammoth not being this or not being that compared to other ski towns. To those I say, “Go find what you desire elsewhere.” We have the best lift access skiing in the country, Footloose Ski Shop and others, tons of restaurants and beds galore. Tell Dave McCoy we don’t feel like a ski town!  We need more Harkin Banks and less complainers. Wax ‘em up; chair 23 here we come!

James Feeney
Mammoth Lakes

Fix the people problem

Dear Editor:

We are a town of 7,000 that easily grows to 25,000 on holidays and busy weekends. As we have no local jail, we must transport those arrested to Bridgeport for processing (2 hour minimum drive plus paperwork). This is typically done by one of the two on-duty police officers. Yet, the Town just decided to reduce police department staffing by one in a budget cut. Meanwhile, a town with a population of 20 bears has retained a paid bear officer, at a cost of $55,000/year (who at the same time is starring in a TV “Bear Whisperer” series for an undisclosed salary).

Our bear officer has said, “Mammoth does not have a bear problem. It has a people problem.” I think that most locals agree that the problem is a people problem. You correct people problems by hiring officers trained to deal with people to enforce the law, not by hiring bear officers who read the bears their, “Meander Rights” and make loud noises.

I make loud noises, lock up my garbage, close windows (Okay, I left one open once so a lobster-loving bear could dine) and doors, removed my bird feeders and other bear attractors, and follow the, “A fed bear is a dead bear” rule.

I do not fear my bear neighbors; I know how to deal with them. What I do fear are the drunks who wander through my neighborhood (I live near the Village)  leaving a trail of empty alcohol containers and bent snow stakes, who fight and curse, and are intimidating and threatening when asked to be quiet. I also fear drug dealers and drug users attracted by our tourist town party atmosphere. Let’s fix our “people problems!”

Harry White
Mammoth Lakes

Newbry backs Magit

Dear Editor:

Therese Hankel’s comments in The Sheet (Sept. 18, page 2) regarding Mark Magit sadly lacked integrity and professional ethics. Randy posting them on his web page … same sadness. Ms. Hankel claimed Mark left the DA’s office because he was afraid of trial law. Such a comment is so outrageous that those who know Mark can only shake their head in disbelief. One can’t help but wonder if Hankel isn’t angling for Randy’s job as public defender if he gets elected. For the first time in the 35 years I’ve lived here, it appears the Superior Court election has turned into mudslinging by one of the candidates.

Mark left the DA’s office to accept a long-time offered position with the law firm of Liebersbach, Mohun, Carney and Reed, which included assuming Kip Dwyer’s family law practice with trials pending from day one. Mark wanted more experience, and to expand his knowledge of law, along with more trial law experience. He succeeded in this along with land use law, child support and family law, negotiations, contractual law, and an amazing breadth of legal experience far greater than any candidate. Call them both and talk to them in person. If you want to get a sense of who they are check out their respective candidates night debate at http://mammothlakes.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2 (copy into the address line, select “candidates’ debate”).

By the way, Ken Carothers, you should get your facts straight. Mark tried more cases than the rest of the office combined over the next 10 years or more when he was an Assistant D.A. and since that time has had considerable experience in many more areas of the law than your candidate has, including in particular occasions to act as a judge rather than as an advocate.

A Superior Court Judge is an extremely important position, one of honor, honesty and integrity. It must be justice to all based on law; not politics, popularity or whether ones kids are on the football team. Gephart’s use of the school district and sports team on campus as an advertisement for endorsement is really uncool. Such actions place the students along the district in a divisive and political position. The District educates kids, all kids without political endorsements. In the past, this was common sense. Perhaps it’s time for the School District to pass a policy (as most districts have done) prohibiting placing our District and students in an unjust and compromising position.

It is very difficult for most of us to put into perspective the legal capabilities of Superior Court Judge candidates. Not withstanding self-interested parties, who claims to really know? The one person who has no interest in anything other than justice and the law along with what is best for Mono County is recently retired Superior Court Judge Ed Forstenzer. It is his position that is up for election. He has no reason to support a particular candidate, only to care about what is best from a Judge’s position. Judge Forstenzer endorses Mark Magit as the best candidate for the position, no question.

It’s not about the man folks; it’s about who is most qualified. I, like Judge Forstenzer, believe the position of Superior Court Judge deserves the best impartial and legally minded person to represent the Mono County. Along with hundreds of others, we both believe that person is Mark Magit.

Greg Newbry
Mammoth Lakes

Outdoor education center invite

Dear Editor:

Last week’s issue of The Sheet discussed the planning work the Mono Lake Committee is undertaking to expand the capacity of the outdoor education programs we run for thousands of Eastern Sierra, Los Angeles and California students. We think a Mono Basin Outdoor Education Center can be a great asset to Mono Lake and Mono County.

Thoughtful planning will require a lot input, analysis and scoping. We would be happy to talk with anyone who is interested in this project. Feel free to contact me at 760.647.6595 or bartshe@monolake.org. I will also post information and updates online at www.monolake.org.

Bartshé Miller
Education Dir., Mono Lake Committee