To the Editor,

I attended the Judge's Breakfast in Clearlake Thursday, Oct. 17. The meeting featured a forum between the incumbent, Doug Harris, and challenger, Jeffrey Dryden, for election to the Yuba Community College District Board of Trustees from Trustee Area 7.

The contrast between the candidates was striking. Mr. Harris was thorough and impressive in outlining his qualifications and accomplishments during his time on the board. He was concise in illustrating his effectiveness revitalizing the Lake County Campus and fostering new collaboration between the district and our community. It was clear that a past period of neglect and decline at the campus under a prior administration is being reversed. His motivation to continue this progress was impressive. He clearly understands the role of a community college trustee. In all respects he had a command of specific actions, responsibilities, and the professionalism the position required.

Mr. Dryden, on the other hand, seemed to have a narrow focus of grievances without clearly defining issues or facts. In addition, though he agreed the Lake County Campus has suffered decline, he totally ignored recent positive changes which illustrate Mr. Harris's effectiveness as our representative on the Yuba Community College Board of Trustees.

I came away from the candidate forum firmly convinced to vote for Mr. Harris and urge you to do the same.

Barbara Christwitz lives in Clearlake, California.