Saddleback Board Acted Responsibly

* Re “Voter Pushes to Unseat Just-Appointed Trustee,” July 18:

In the rush to condemn the actions of the person or people responsible for circulating petitions to declare the newly appointed trustee position for the Saddleback Valley Unified School District vacant, we should not lose sight of what makes this scenario possible, and demand our legislators revamp the procedure.

Elected representatives must be held accountable to the will of their constituents, and the petition procedure is a vehicle which can be employed if the need arises. It could be a prudent safeguard. The cost, which is the main focus of concern for many, is considerable, but by no means exorbitant when viewed in the context of the district’s total fiscal responsibility. The projected cost for a special election is roughly 1/14 to 1/20 of 1% of the funds these school board members are responsible for overseeing.

If the four seated members had acted with disregard for the welfare of the district, it would be well worth the cost of an election to set the appointment aside. The fact is they acted responsibly. After hearing from all applicants, and interviewing seven, they made a unified decision to select an individual who they felt would represent the community. I attended this board meeting, participating as one of the applicants. In this instance, it is not in the interest of the children, taxpayers or the district as a whole to call for a special election.

GINNY FAY AITKENS

Mission Viejo