I just heard an advertisement on the radio supporting Proposition 56 and was astonished by what the advertisement did not say. The ad touts the tough-on-the-legislature, pass-the-budget-on-time-or-lose-your-pay language of the proposition, and incites voters to get tough on the politicians. It goes on to imply that "evil big corporations" are behind the drive to defeat the measure.

I would be baffled by why corporations would oppose legislative accountability if I were not already aware of the true intent of Proposition 56, which is to repeal the requirement that two-thirds of the legislature approve tax increases on Californians.

On the surface, Proposition 56 offers some appealing proposals to increase the accountability of the legislature, requiring the legislature to stay in session until a budget is passed, and withholding legislators' pay when the budget is late.

Additionally, it creates a "rainy-day" fund to level government spending during economic cycles.

Unfortunately, these proposals are smokescreens to obscure the fact that the proposition frees the legislature from the 2/3 legislative vote required to raise Californians' taxes. Under the proposition, a 55 percent majority will be able to raise taxes in the future, opening the floodgates of state spending.

Last year alone, over 100 tax and fee increases totaling nearly $65 billion were proposed in the legislature. Only by defeating Proposition 56 can California taxpayers protect themselves from unrestrained spending by the legislature.

Wayne Nobles

Pamela Way

Saratoga's English exam is exemplary

Saratoga High School already has in place a working model for high school English class examinations. This model comes at a time when student testing is feeling the need to evolve to another level.

I believe the essence or highest level of learning occurs in a three-part experience. First, the teacher shares his or her understanding of the material. Second, the student is given the opportunity to make it a part of the learning experience. Third, and finally, the students then convert the material into an entirely new concept that will enrich their lives and the lives of those around them, when they share what they have gained.

My husband, Willys Peck, and I were invited to attend the final examination of the Saratoga poetry class. Our invitation was to meet at 7:50 a.m. at our local restaurant, Bella Saratoga. After the teacher, Judith Sutton, welcomed us with a ceremony that set the tone in honor of William Shakespeare, we took the sonnet that had been delivered to us the night before and that was to be a significant part of the examination.

Each section of the examination was accompanied by examples of poetry showing how the poet used a certain technique. This style of poetry was then read by students in groups of three, reading their own work.

Then everyone was given the opportunity at each table to take the examination together by writing as fast as they could in the time allowed. After each section of the exam, time was given to share what we had written with the rest of the group at the table. We were surprised and delighted at what we as a group were able to express in our own words.

I realized that we were using the highest possible function of our brain, experience and talent to encompass our feelings in being able to express through our writing what we had gained intellectually and artistically.

This type of teaching-testing is what is called for in our schools at every level. I want to thank the principal, Dr. Kevin Skelly, for giving his blessings to this type of teaching that is so needed today.

He also was there as a participant and to shake the hands of all who had been a part of Judith Sutton's final examination for her poetry class.

Betty R.W. Peck

Saratoga Avenue

Dentists open their doors for children

On Feb. 12, some dentists in Saratoga opened their offices and their hearts to children from low-income families throughout Santa Clara County and provided free dental exams and treatment. Their generosity gave these youngsters a happier smile for Valentine's Day this year.

We want to thank and commend these dentists and their staffs for participating in "Dentists with a Heart." There are an estimated 120,000 low-income children in our county who are not getting the dental care they need, so we have a long way to go. But your efforts are helping this community tackle this significant health problem for children.

The residents of Saratoga should be proud that dental professionals in your town have stepped forward to take care of kids in need.

They are making a difference.

Gary B. Allen, president and CEO The Health Trust David Lees, DDS, director

Children's Dental Initiative

Local AAUW urges voters to support Measure B

The board of the Los Gatos­Saratoga Branch of the American Association of University Women has voted to endorse Measure B on the March 2 ballot.

One of AAUW's missions is lifelong education. Our Saratoga Library, along with eight other branches of the Santa Clara County Library system that has been named No. 1 in the nation for the last three years, certainly helps us do that. We want to keep it that way.

But the voter-approved library bond passed in 1994 expires next year. Measure B only proposes a raise of $8.34 for a total of $42 annual increase for a single-family home to make up for that loss. This would keep existing library hours and service, buy more books, continue the Book Mobile and literacy programs, and stave off expected cuts caused by the state's budget crisis.

Every vote is very important, as a 2/3s countywide vote is required to pass this important Measure B.

Sue Boyd, president

Los Gatos­Saratoga AAUW