Sen John Seymour

As a former Republican who became a Democrat because I could not abide by the Republicans' stand on choice, I did support Sen. John Seymour for having the courage to change his mind on choice. Now it looks as if that was an aberration on his part. Apparently, he finds it necessary to consult with someone such as the Rev. (Robert H.) Schuller before he makes up his mind on how to vote. I certainly will not support anyone who can't think for himself! SHIRLEY CARROLL O'CONNOR, Laguna Hills

In a hilly section of this affluent town, William E. Cooper bought a 3,400-square-foot house in a gated community by raising money the same way he did in business. He got it from investors. Those who helped by lending him money were eventually paid back. But 8,000 investors are wondering if they will recoup $350 million they put into the labyrinth of companies under Cooper's First Diversified Financial Services in Irvine. Cooper's First Pension Corp.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors' decision to build a jail in the city of Anaheim has brought the "fat cats" and their hired gun, state Sen. John Seymour, to fight for their corporate-interest money. Sen. Seymour and Anaheim Mayor Don Roth sure move swiftly when their masters' interests are in jeopardy. I have never seen them take any action when the homeless and the hungry ask for their help. It will be interesting to see if the Board of Supervisors gives credence to the large corporate interest or to the general welfare of the entire Orange County community.

As a former Republican who became a Democrat because I could not abide by the Republicans' stand on choice, I did support Sen. John Seymour for having the courage to change his mind on choice. Now it looks as if that was an aberration on his part. Apparently, he finds it necessary to consult with someone such as the Rev. (Robert H.) Schuller before he makes up his mind on how to vote. I certainly will not support anyone who can't think for himself! SHIRLEY CARROLL O'CONNOR, Laguna Hills

California has hit the jackpot with Gov. Pete Wilson's appointment of state Sen. John Seymour (R-Anaheim) as his U.S. Senate replacement. Far from being a shallow or wishy-washy person, Seymour is pragmatic and open-minded enough to listen. He also has the mental toughness and fortitude to accomplish what he sets out to do. Seymour does not take the expedient side of an issue. He was a leader in educational reform long before it was popular. Particularly for the youth of our nation, a group so often disregarded by most politicians, he is a rock of strength.

Sometimes the banality of Orange County journalism overwhelms! It is so boring to read newspaper evaluations on how "conservative" our legislators are, rather than how "representative" they are. Such commentaries have reached a new nadir concerning Sen. John Seymour. No reporter has mentioned the many awards Seymour has received. In 1990 the California Journal gave him one of the highest ratings as a legislator. He was honored by the California School Board Assn. as Legislator of the Year in 1988, and recognized by the Orange County Teachers Assn.

Re "Truck Crash Prompts Call for Routine Inspections" (Dec. 24): Rather than "a natural prejudice toward trucks," as stated by Sheriffs Lt. George Johnson, a natural fear toward trucks would be a better choice of words. Readers may be interested to know that, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, one of every three tractor-trailers can be expected to crash in a year. Nationally, federal statistics indicate that the involvement of heavy trucks in fatal crashes continues to be much higher than that of passenger cars when mileage is taken into account.

More than $1.6 million earmarked for Caltrans to help plan and build three Orange County toll roads was held out of the state budget Friday after a powerful Los Angeles lawmaker said she didn't think taxpayers should help pay for "private" roads. Objections by Assemblywoman Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) to the Caltrans appropriation prompted her colleagues on a legislative budget conference committee to balk at approving the expenditure Friday. And her continued opposition could spell trouble for the measure next week, when the panel is scheduled to take it up once again.

State Sen. Marian Bergeson's expected entry this week into the Republican primary for lieutenant governor--a seat already being sought by fellow Sen. John Seymour of Anaheim--would pit two of Orange County's most respected and well-liked legislators against each other. It is enough, as one county politico said, "to cause a lot of heartburn" among potential supporters who are likely to be tapped by both of them for financial and political assistance. "Marian and John both are close friends and two very effective legislators.

Sen. Seymour may have been "picked, in part, for his ability to raise funds" (June 2), but he is also the best candidate for the job. Gov. Wilson has said "he is honest, he is smart, he is tough-minded and he is tenacious" (Column One, May 26). We can add that he is conscientious, responsible, caring and sensitive to the needs of his constituents. HELEN and EDWARD SHANBROM Santa Ana

When 16-year-old runaway Tattyanna Ahlstedt hit the streets of Hollywood three weeks ago, she was instantly set upon by pimps and hustlers who wanted to sell her body for money. When Efrain Lopez arrived the last week of July, he saw street kids doing the illegal bidding of gang leaders and thugs, just as they do near his home in South-Central Los Angeles.

Sen. Seymour may have been "picked, in part, for his ability to raise funds" (June 2), but he is also the best candidate for the job. Gov. Wilson has said "he is honest, he is smart, he is tough-minded and he is tenacious" (Column One, May 26). We can add that he is conscientious, responsible, caring and sensitive to the needs of his constituents. HELEN and EDWARD SHANBROM Santa Ana

A group of prominent Republicans working on behalf of Assemblyman John R. Lewis (R-Orange) have encouraged several GOP candidates to drop out of the upcoming special election to replace former Anaheim state Sen. John Seymour. One candidate said the repeated calls were "intimidating," while another was offered support for a future race in return for withdrawing from the March 19 special primary that follows Seymour's recent appointment to the U.S. Senate.

Sometimes the banality of Orange County journalism overwhelms! It is so boring to read newspaper evaluations on how "conservative" our legislators are, rather than how "representative" they are. Such commentaries have reached a new nadir concerning Sen. John Seymour. No reporter has mentioned the many awards Seymour has received. In 1990 the California Journal gave him one of the highest ratings as a legislator. He was honored by the California School Board Assn. as Legislator of the Year in 1988, and recognized by the Orange County Teachers Assn.

California has hit the jackpot with Gov. Pete Wilson's appointment of state Sen. John Seymour (R-Anaheim) as his U.S. Senate replacement. Far from being a shallow or wishy-washy person, Seymour is pragmatic and open-minded enough to listen. He also has the mental toughness and fortitude to accomplish what he sets out to do. Seymour does not take the expedient side of an issue. He was a leader in educational reform long before it was popular. Particularly for the youth of our nation, a group so often disregarded by most politicians, he is a rock of strength.

Re "Truck Crash Prompts Call for Routine Inspections" (Dec. 24): Rather than "a natural prejudice toward trucks," as stated by Sheriffs Lt. George Johnson, a natural fear toward trucks would be a better choice of words. Readers may be interested to know that, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, one of every three tractor-trailers can be expected to crash in a year. Nationally, federal statistics indicate that the involvement of heavy trucks in fatal crashes continues to be much higher than that of passenger cars when mileage is taken into account.