Attorney Needs to ‘Learn Facts Before Arguing’
Dear Editor,
In criticizing me for being self-represented against the city, attorney Ray Morris fumbles a basic rule of good practice: “Learn the facts and the applicable law before you argue.” I have been represented at all times by my able attorney, Steven M. Fink, of Mesirow and Fink. He advises me the decision is appealable. And, the Federal Civil Rights Act, under which I am suing, provides for fee awards to successful plaintiffs.
Also, the Morgan Hill Times, in urging me to drop the suit because any award will fall on the innocent taxpayers, errs by blaming a fellow victim. The taxpayers’ remedy is to demand that City Manager Edward Tewes and Councilmembers Steve Tate, Greg Sellers and Larry Carr, who attacked me in the taxpayers’ name, do any paying. If they refuse, the remedy is to recall the councilmembers.
Finally, the Times erred in reporting that the judge found that Howard Vierra, my client, didn’t want the surveillance. The judge made no such finding, and Vierra specifically instructed me to arrange for the surveillance.
Bruce Tichinin, Morgan Hill
Disabled Mother Story Supported Illegal Immigration
Dear Editor,
Upon reading the Morgan Hill Times Dec. 8 article referencing the plight of the Arredondo family, please help me understand the situation.
Getting right to the point, is this family not illegal, having entered the U.S. through a “coyote” shuttle? Has my country not already provided medical care, English lessons and a job for her husband?
Are they now asking for a $65,000 van, new furniture and house cleaning? To put this story on the front page, blatantly exposes their status here. The story also supports illegal immigration, which is against the law.
Or, do I have it all wrong? Are the family members here legally?
Should you send your story to Mexican newspapers in hopes of attracting similar border jumpers to our country?
By the way, I was a legal landed immigrant from Canada, am now a naturalized citizen and married to a U.S.-born Mexican American.
And good luck to “all” who seek help.
George Shebib, Morgan Hill
Poor Labor Relations in School District Keep Morale Low
Dear Editor,
Being a negotiator for the classified unit in the Morgan Hill Unified School District I find all the articles printed in the Morgan Hill Times written by Superintendent Alan Nishino quite interesting. I fail to understand how the leader of “our” ship can sit back and watch the waters he has stirred become so tumultuous. People are leaving your sinking ship Dr. Nishino for better jobs and working conditions. They want to work in an environment where they truly feel valued and appreciated. Morgan Hill is an affluent community. I think that the constant barrage of negative publicity would be an embarrassment to running a smooth “ship.” The morale is low, people don’t feel good about themselves or their jobs and consequently are not going to do anything extra or extend themselves like they always have in the past. I have worked in this district for many years and have never experienced such low morale and poor labor relations.
Do you really expect to keep or attract bright, enthusiastic, competent people when the benefits package and pay are so unattractive? Isn’t the district tired of the numerous labor disputes, grievances and unfair labor practices that have led to mediation and arbitration?
Why doesn’t MHUSD just do the right thing?
Remember the old saying “you get what you pay for”!
Maureen Serafini, Hollister
Sobrato High School special education aide
