By Heartwarming to see 9

I want to thank the Los Altos Town Crier for its coverage regarding the one-year anniversary of one of the most devastating events in our American history - Sept. 11, 2001.

I also want to thank the city of Los Altos for honoring the anniversary with a sensitive yet low-key and respectful memorial presentation. I am proud to be a citizen of this country and this community.

It was heartwarming to see such a plethora of our uniformed protectors representing our cities and county.

I am so grateful that there are such compassionate individuals willing to serve for our local police and fire departments.

I am humbled by the number of community volunteers training to act as emergency response personnel in a disaster. And I am forever indebted to our courageous and selfless military, who serve to protect our great country so that we might never have to go through something like 9/11 ever again.

Becky HaymanLos Altos

Americans threatened by own president

The American people have a legitimate reason for concern. We are in grave danger from an unprincipled and irrational leader of a nation which has already started several wars. The principles that have made this nation a leader of the world are being misrepresented and falsified daily by propaganda repeated over and over. Disastrous mistakes and failed policies are ignored while false statements are released to the press and the people. There are millions of people who hear and believe such misrepresentations.

That threat is from George Bush, not a foreign government.

We have not succeeded yet in Afghanistan and installed a stable, peaceful and representative government. We may not succeed in doing so. There is great danger and no justification for declaring another foreign leader evil and then making a pre-emptive strike against him by bombing the citizens of that country. Such an action is illegal, immoral and irrational. The consequences can only be disastrous.

To pre-emptively attack Iraq will do more to destroy the essence of American constitutional government than any action a foreign country could take. For those of us old enough to remember how easily Hitler was able to lead Germany into becoming the most hated country in the world we are greatly saddened to see our very own United States so easily led down that same kind of path. Please, let’s all read and follow our Constitution and let Congress declare our wars.

Louis L. BrossardLos Altos

How about ‘timeout’ for Town Hall?

Many of us in Los Altos Hills are concerned about the process that resulted in the current design for a new town hall.

Despite the efforts of the council, a substantial number of town citizens feel that they have been left out of the process. Many also think that the current design does not reflect the rural roots of our community. In addition, the true cost of the project to the town is very unclear at the moment and the promised $1.5 million in needed donations have yet to be secured.

Finally, a credible plan for the ongoing operations of town government during this project, including relocation of the Purissima Hills Water District office, has yet to be developed. Despite these uncertainties, the council continues to freely spend large sums of taxpayer monies on the project each month. Contracted architect fees alone already total more than $500,000.

I would like to propose a time-out for the existing design and development process, starting now and continuing until three things are accomplished. First, a process whereby the entire community can voice their opinion about the design and possible alternative designs be undertaken and completed. Second, the $1.5 million of proposed donations be pledged and publicly identified. Lastly, that a complete plan for the project be developed, outlining how town government will be operated during construction.

I hope that the council will participate in a process designed to build consensus around a design that resonates with a majority of the town’s citizens.

Breene KerrLos Altos Hills

No plans to sell town land

Unfounded rumors are being spread in Los altos Hills concerning the sale of town-owned land to finance our new Town Hall.

The city council has agreed that the building will be financed up to an amount of $3.5 million from our town reserves of more than $10 million. Any remaining funding which might be required would have to come from voluntary donations pledged prior to construction. No town land will be sold.

Bob FenwickMayor, Los Altos Hills

Town should come down hard

I believe I have read and heard everything regarding the destruction of the Winbigler home. However, when I read Maria Ligeti’s comments, “Oops, I forgot I needed to get permission,” almost made me gag! Her statement is an insult to the intelligence of the people of Los Altos Hills. These are shrewd business people who understand contracts and commitments. They also knew their actions would be subject to repercussion. They knew they would be fined, but so what? They wanted it their way, and the town could either like it or lump it.

I have two suggestions:

1. Make them replace what they took down illegally, and place it back to where the town can see and enjoy it. (Take off some of the 30,000 sq. ft. from the top of the hill, if needed. or

2. Open the main house for our Town Hall Meetings and other events, thereby saving the town money when a new town hall is built. Better yet, how about their showing good faith and remorse by making restitution in building the new Town Hall?

Significant action needs to be taken by the town’s officials under whose jurisdiction it is to assess penalties when signed agreements are not adhered to. Failure to take a strong stand in this matter will establish a precedence that can only be envisioned as long and costly court battles.

D.M. Finney

Los Altos Hills