While I do not reside in Hollister, I have had business
interests in the city since 1988. I have subscribed to the Free
Lance for 17 years. It is delivered by the postal service to my
home a few days after the residents of Hollister receive it.
Editor,
While I do not reside in Hollister, I have had business interests in the city since 1988. I have subscribed to the Free Lance for 17 years. It is delivered by the postal service to my home a few days after the residents of Hollister receive it.
I love Hollister. I think it is one of the nicest small towns in California. The people, the weather, the afternoon natural air conditioner that blows from the northwest and the clear skies make Hollister a very special place to live and work. Every time I visit Hollister I am overwhelmed with pride to operate a business in Hollister.
But over the past few years, I’ve become frustrated with the fighting and name calling that seems to center itself around the district attorney’s office. I’m not in any position to take sides in the ongoing disputes associated with the DA’s office and I certainly do not know enough about the details of the issues to pass judgment (except the idiot that poisoned the DA’s dogs should be ashamed of themselves, punished to the full extent of the law and banished from Hollister).
What I am most amazed with is the inability of the people and officials entrenched in the on-going battles to break the cycle of disrespect that continues unchecked. I know when children act up, it is the parent’s responsibility not to engage in petty bickering, but to rise above the fray, remain calm and respectful in the face of disrespect and set the foundation for solutions. In this way anger is checked, respect is given and mature unselfish behavior acts as a catalyst for resolution. It also sets an example for our children on how they should act when adversity or disrespect is fairly or unfairly directed at them. Someone, generally the most senior or most mature, must break the cycle of disrespect if the disagreements and issues are to be settled.
So the question I pose is, who will step up and stop the cycle of bickering, backstabbing and disrespect that seems to surround the DA’s office? Who will unselfishly compromise their pride to restore civility? While a community cannot expect all of its residents to act with such maturity, the community certainly can expect and demand that its elected officials act with such maturity. What do you think? I think it is time for all sides to take a deep breath and give it a rest.
Michael Toerge, Corona del Mar
