The Hot Seat A Weekly Look At People In The News

Sun., Feb. 25, 1996

Ready for a curve ball?

We like candidate Pat Buchanan. This is not a liberal trick. We like Buchanan because he’s the only candidate to put his finger squarely on the source of middle-class angst: Stagnating wages, job insecurity, the increased cost of living and the frustration of dealing with politicians who don’t have a clue about living in the middle class. We think it’s good to have a wild man stirring things up. The Republican effort to rein him in is a mistake. We say, let him run free. Let him force the field to address the issues on the minds of middle-class Americans. His influence could force a better, more relevant race.

Curve ball Part II

How about that Steve Hasson? All in one week, Hasson threatened to make Dexter Amend pay his own legal bills, tried to broker a deal between grass growers and clean-air activists, and proposed psychological testing for prospective county employees. Hasson is right in thinking that Amend should have to pay to defend his outrageous behavior. We appreciate Hasson trying to find some middle ground on field burning. And given his own, uh, colorful history it took guts to make the testing proposal. Love him or hate we’re glad he’s not afraid to wade into the mess.

Central Valley School board finds a gem in its pocket

Congratulations to Wally Stanley on his appointment as Superintendent of the Central Valley School District. Confined to a wheelchair since being struck by a drunken driver 12 years ago, Stanley routinely visits schools in the district. He enjoys the support of faculty and students alike. He had the good sense to call in three respected and experienced teachers to spearhead the successful bond election this year. Congratulations, as well, to parents with kids in CV. Stanley will improve the district’s schools. , DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 3 Photos

MEMO: The Hot Seat is an irreverent look at controversial issues in the news. The views expressed are those of the writer. Today’s Hot Seat was written by Scott Sines.

The Hot Seat is an irreverent look at controversial issues in the news. The views expressed are those of the writer. Today’s Hot Seat was written by Scott Sines.