To the Editor -

I have, with respect, to differ with Nick Pagoulatos' description of Jake McGoldBrick as a 'progressive'. I suggest folks listen to Chris Daly's definition of 'progressive', given when he introduced a proposal to shut down Lennar's activities in Bayview Hunters Point until an independent investigation can be done to determine what is causing the recent increase of disturbing health problems in the Community, especially among children and elders. McGoldrick is about as far from being a 'progressive' as you can stretch a country mile. In the last few days it has been his negative swing vote that has perpetuated the corporate racist attack on ethnic minorities and lower income residents of our city. First in the Mission, then in the Bayview.

I do however agree with his observation that "..he just wasn't making sense to us..". On May 8th. 2006, the day before the BOS voted to give BVHP to Maxwell,Newsom,RDA,Lennar Inc, I had a ten minute conversation with McGoldrick outside his office. I can only assume he deigned to converse with me at such length because he is an anglophile and I have british accent, especially when it serves me. Most of the conversation was social except, when I asked him how he was going to vote the next day, his response was " I don't know, it's so complicated and I haven't had time to read up on it". Next day he voted "NO". Now that's the most amazing demonstration of 'speed reading' I have ever heard of.

It comes as no surprise or revalation to many of us that the Chronically Challenged finally reports the 'news' that there may be far less than 6 degrees of separation between supporters and advocates of these projects and the speculators and developers. In some instances no separation at all, as in the case of various 'religious' leaders. It's past time to turn over the temple tables laden with blood money. Maybe now the Mouthpiece of Moloch, oops, I mean the Voice of the West, will actually do some in depth investigative reporting on both sides of this issue ? Wrong again, they are laying off reporters in order to save/make money.

Perhaps the most prescient observation during the hearing on Chris Daly's proposal was made by Gerard Sandoval when he stated that the parcel being developed now is by far the cleanest, least toxic location in the proposed development area. Yet somehow Lennar still managed to make a 'mistake' in their monitoring of air quality during the most intensive earth moving part of the operation, and there was no warning given to residents of potential health hazards and no record of what the residents may have inhaling 24x7. How peculiar and convenient. That damage has been done, the money changers are counting their spoils, but we are not done and will continue fighting these crimes of institutional and environmental racism being committed by co-opted politicos, self-serving community leaders, unaccountable quasi government agencies and the corporate crooks they service.

Dr. Ahimsa Sumchai for Mayor. Defend Bayview Hunters Point. Save The Mission.

Patrick Monk.RN. Noe Valley.



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