I was with Mr. Berkey my partner of 34 years, and we questioned only his tactics, not his constitutional rights. The manager of Wal-Mart said that the gentleman in question refused to give his name, or the agents who have paid him to collect signatures. I would think that any voter would need this information before he signed the petition.

What is the gentleman hiding? If his signature collecting is completely legitimate, why doesn’t he divulge the simple information any other petitioner gladly submits.

At no time did we say NO DON’T SIGN, please read the letter again. We merely suggested – be sure you know what you are signing.

Harold Riley live in Clearlake.

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I firmly believe that if you are able to hurt or abuse an animal in your teen years that there is a possibility for sick people like that to become serial killers. I feel that if they are let off to lightly they won't get the message of how serious something like this is. I feel they should both be made to have extensive counseling, do county authority facility time and a large fine should be tacked on to that so the parents of these girls are aware of the seriousness. I would hope that they are given community service work, volunteer work, yard work, house work whatever it takes to make sure they are never bored again.

Billie Huff lives in Rodeo.

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Every board member is to be commended for his handling of this very sensitive situation. By example, they showed our community – and especially our children – how to handle a challenge with objectivity and compassion.

They did their homework (hours of it for each member, I am sure), they listened respectfully to all perspectives, then each made his own decision based upon a fair and impartial consideration of the issue.

I am very proud to live in a community which has shown a commitment to treat all people with dignity and respect. What better message can we give our children?

Kathy Windrem lives in Kelseyville.

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Locally, these professional employees work in Lake County’s Child Protective Services program, Adult Protective Services program, In-Home Supportive Services program and in the CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work program.

Social Workers are responsible for screening, evaluating, referring, counseling, encouraging and empowering their clients while also responding in crisis situations. And, they are required to understand and comply with complex government regulations that change all too frequently.

The services these women and men provide through federal, state and county funded programs make it possible for many of our citizens to lead safer, more productive lives.

In 2007 in Lake County hundreds of families, children and elders received life-changing services with the assistance of social workers.

The Lake County Department of Social Services acknowledges the valuable contributions these dedicated employees are making to our county. The Board of Supervisors has proclaimed March 2008 as Social Worker Appreciation Month.

Carol J. Huchingson is director of Lake County Social Services.

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