Bernald for colleges’ board of trustees

I am endorsing Mary-Lynne Bernald for election in Area 5 for West Valley-Mission Community College District Board of Trustees.

As a former city of Santa Clara vice mayor and current councilmember, I have served with Mary-Lynne on several county commissions including the Santa Clara County Recycling and Waste Reduction Commission and the Santa Clara/Santa Cruz Community Airport Roundtable during her tenure on the Saratoga City Council. During that time, I found Mary-Lynne to be knowledgeable, well prepared, a team builder, respectful and fair.

Appointed by the board in March as Area 5 trustee, Mary-Lynne has now directed her attention and skills to the success of West Valley-Mission College students, faculty and administrators. Retaining her on the board is the smart move to make.

Please vote for Mary-Lynne Bernald in the Nov. 5 election.

— Kathy Watanabe Santa Clara

Anti-Zionism and antisemitism aren’t same

Re: “After terrifying year lets work together to fight antisemitism” (Page A8, Oct. 6).

The peace and safety that Marc Levine hopes for the Jewish community is the same that is hoped for by all communities.

Antisemitism should not be tolerated along with any anti-social behavior. But he goes too far. He attacks peaceful free speech. Banners and graffiti may hurt feelings but they don’t hurt people. He attacks all criticism of Israel. The Intifada is a resistance movement, different from terrorism.

He ignores the controversy. Zionism is a movement, not a pejorative for Jew. Merriam-Webster defines it as, “an international movement originally for the establishment of a Jewish national or religious community in Palestine,” — the same “ancestral” homeland claimed by the Palestinian people. Zionists include a radical group that drives the illegal quest for “greater Israel,” coveting lands rightfully inhabited by Palestinians. Being anti-Zionist is not antisemitic.

Stop Zionist overreach. A legitimate two-state solution with Palestine having all the West Bank is the only path to peace.

— John Francis, San Jose

Firing of schools chief a disservice to citizens

Re: “Firing of Santa Clara County superintendent without cause condemned as ‘political stunt’” (Oct. 3).

As a former Santa Clara County Board of Education member, I count Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan as one of the most admirable people I know.

Dewan has been partnered with almost every organization in the county that is forward facing for children.

It is a travesty to lose her; she is a priceless resource.

Of the four who voted to end Dewan’s contract, two are up for reelection and one is retiring.

In January, three out of the four who voted to end Dewan’s career in the Santa Clara County Office of Education may be gone.

How can they see their decision as supporting the people they represent?

— Kathleen King, Saratoga