I would like to apologize to everyone who received a document in the mail calling itself "The Sunnyvale Democratic Voice." I did not send it, nor was it sent by the Sunnyvale Democratic Club, whose logo was included on the piece. I don't know who mailed it out or how people were chosen to be included in the mailing list.

The Sunnyvale Democratic Club is a small group that publishes a newsletter electronically and distributes it via email to approximately 25 people.

The November newsletter was about six pages long and included several articles besides my "President's Message." The bulk of the president's message was a description of my work on the successful Melinda Hamilton campaign, and it ran three pages. It looks like someone got hold of a copy of the newsletter, "doctored" it a bit, then sent it out as hard-copy mail to registered Republicans.

If you received one of these pieces, I'd like to say that I'm sorry. I would prevent such things in the future if I could, but I do not know who is responsible for producing it. If you think about it, there is no earthly reason why I or the club would stand to gain by producing a mailing of this kind and sending it to people such as yourself.

Please accept my apologies. If I find out who sent this mailing, I will ask them to stop.

Fred Fowler

Sunnyvale City Councilman

Republican free means no one there to disagree

I am not a partisan when it comes to local government, but the Sunnyvale Sun opinion page on Jan. 21, it changed all that. An article was written about a certain council person who is also a muckety-muck in the Sunnyvale Democratic Club, bragging that after the latest local election in the fall, the Sunnyvale City Council is now a "Republican Free Zone."

One thing came to my mind when I read this chilling statement—God, Help us.

If you remember the state legislature and the governor's office was once, not long ago, dominated by a single party, What did a Republican free zone get the citizens of California, a free spending government that pandered to special interests, handing out money like it was going out of style. They gave and gave until we are now broke and for what reason, votes and job security pure and simple.

Spending money uncontrollably is a documented addiction, it is a disorder that many people seek treatment for, and when you are not spending your own money you have the potential for a big problem. It seems that when there are no checks and balances in place, like when you have a two-party system with both parties represented, you have less of a chance of developing a problem as big as California's.

The old adage of the fox guarding the chicken house comes to mind. Who is going to keep the politicians in check, the electorate maybe, other politicians of the same party? Never.

It is especially important to watch the new monoculture domination of the city council now because no one is there to disagree with them; they all pat themselves on the back and say good idea, no dissenting vote. They have developed the ultimate Good old boys club with the help of the willing electorate.

Thanks to the Sunnyvale Sun being delivered to my home for opening my eyes to the new reality that we face in Sunnyvale.

Craig Crawford

Sunnyvale

Sun reporting on bitter few; should cover all sides

Finally, a letter (Thomas Carrig, Jan. 14) to the Editor that reflects what, I believe, are the feelings of the majority of those who voted in the November election. I have been greatly disturbed by what I view as bias in reporting and in the selection of the letters to the editor printed.

I laughed out loud when I read Jack Walker's recent letter berating the current council—after only two meetings.

What arrogance on his part and, in printing it, what bias, or was it naiveté on the Sun's part. And another misguided letter from Ms. McCaa. Were there no other letters from citizens on other subjects?

I am willing to give the newly elected—by the citizens of Sunnyvale—council members time to learn their jobs.

Frankly, I think the atmosphere of the meetings and the questions and discussions have been quite good ... and I watch on a regular basis.

Regarding the administrative leave for Mr. LaSala—as a community newspaper, did anyone check into law regarding personnel matters for public agencies? If anyone at the Sun had, they would have learned that it is "against the law" for any council member or city employee to discuss the details of any personnel action while it remains in closed session. No one is trying to hide anything—they are not allowed to discuss it.

I was highly disappointed in your reporting of "rumors," a direct quote from your paper. This was reporting at its lowest.

How sad that a city with such educated citizens has as its only paper one that hasn't either the personnel, time or money perhaps to report accurately and generate letters from citizens on items other than the November election (two months ago!).

And I am not one who dislikes the SaberCats' tent, and I also wouldn't want it up year-round! So:

There is more than one side to every issue and the Sun's job as our local publication is to report on all sides.

There are 120,000 citizens in this city, but you seem to be interviewing and publishing for the bitter few. I would very much like to take the Sun seriously, but at this point, you are somewhat of a joke.

Judy Dietrich

Sunnyvale

In response to a correction called in by a council member, the Sun printed a correction Jan. 28. As it turns out the Sun was correct.

The council vote on the SaberCats practice tent appeal was five to one.