In the matter of Veerkamp versus Barb

By Letters to the Editor
From page A5 | 5 Comments

EDITOR:

In the matter of Veerkamp versus Barb, I do not have a dog in this fight, so I don’t particularly care who wins: both men come from the right and I disagree with both of them. Barb seems more beholden to the Tea Party than Veerkamp.

What is bothersome about Barb is not his political philosophy (what could I expect in EDC?), but his lack of manners, his chutzpah, his incredible gall to show up at events to which he is not invited, or wanted. The local Democratic Party opened its headquarters on Main Street a few evenings ago. This was an affair for Democrats only and Jack Uppal, McClintock’s opponent, was the featured speaker.

Yet, who showed up at the door: Mr. Barb. Not content with showing up uninvited, he asked the evening’s master of ceremonies to “say a few words” to the assembled Democrats. We’re a civilized group, so we let Barb say his piece, although many of us wondered what reception would have awaited Jack Uppal had he done the same thing at a Tea Party, or GOP, private affair.

Veerkamp is urbane, smart and obviously has manners. It looks like an easy choice for voters.

JOHN GARON
Placerville

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5 thoughts on “In the matter of Veerkamp versus Barb”

Phillip Veerkamp says:

October 2, 2012 at 11:06 pm

Thanks, John. You force a smile as I try to attach “urbane” to the winner of the wheelbarrow race last summer. I sense that Brian’s Grandpa, Great-grandpa and Great-great-grandpa are elbowing each other and winking with approving smiles. “Urbane” and Veerkamp? Sure. Why not!

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Laurel Stroud says:

October 3, 2012 at 11:25 am

I’m finding it absolutely amazing that I would agree with uber-letter writer John Garon on anything, but on this issue I do. Brian Veerkamp is definitely the right man for the job, based on experience and judgment. And he doesn’t appear without invitation at events to muscle his way in, as his opponent and the Supervisor supporting him do.

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Gene Altshuler says:

October 3, 2012 at 11:51 am

For the record Richard Barb was invited to the HQ opening by a Democrat. Whether or not this person was authorized to make the invitation is another story.

Richard Barb made a non partisan speech about working for all the constituents in the district.

In my view a non partisan race, as the BOS is, means just that. To castigate anyone because of their voter registration is wrong. Many of the issues that separate Democrats from the GOP will never arise in El Dorado County at the Supervisorial level.

Aside from the administrative aspects of running our county the primary and over ridding issue that requires attention is planning and land use. Thus all the social issues that dominate the national races have virtually no bearing here.

Mr. Barb conducted himself like a gentleman in the face of sever criticism from some attendees after he spoke. This is uncalled for and, as Democrats, we are better than this.

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Evelyn Veerkamp says:

October 3, 2012 at 11:59 am

Gene, thank you very much for what is, in fact, an important clarification.

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Thank you says:

October 3, 2012 at 2:18 pm

Thank you to Mr. Altshuler for the clarification. Many of the same thoughts crossed my mind particularly without a Central Committee endorsement in play. Give Richard Barb credit for making an effort. It is always easier to ignore those who disagree than to reach out.

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