READERS RESPOND -- Readers discuss Ferryman’s DUI arrest

How can Tony Dodero (From the Newsroom, “School trustee must

reconsider some questions”) ask the question regarding Jim Ferryman’s

character and contributions, “But how does this matter?”

The definition of a person’s true and constant character is all about

the qualities and traits that form the moral and ethical core of a

person. Ferryman has admitted he made a mistake in judgment and isn’t

this what a person of character does -- admit to his mistakes, accept the

consequences and learn from the experiences?

Dodero, obviously, has never made a mistake as a journalist that he

has been lucky enough to learn a lesson from. Life is constantly full of

lessons, and sometimes as adults the lessons we learn are much harder to

swallow.

Parents are role models, but when the role model is a parent and a

community leader the mistakes and lessons learned are much harder for the

individual and community to accept. Ferryman will weather this personal

storm with all the dignity and integrity that he has always brought to

solving problems in our community.

If you don’t know Ferryman or his family, you might be able to greatly

benefit yourself and your journalistic integrity if you did.

MAXINE M. MACHA

Costa Mesa

Regarding the letters on Ferryman from Mike Dunn and John Burton in

Sunday’s Community Forum of the Daily Pilot, I just wish that they both

felt as strongly about Ferryman being legally drunk while driving as they

do about trustee Wendy Leece’s opinion that he should resign.

Ferryman is a school board trustee and is entrusted with setting an

example for the schoolchildren to follow. This seems to be lost on

Burton, who only makes disparaging remarks about Leece. Leece was not the

one arrested for drunk driving; it was Ferryman.

Some school board members have said something about it being a

personal matter, while trustee Dana Black apparently is still saying

nothing. At least Leece is not afraid to make her opinion known and

stands by it, whether you agree with her or not.

It is also disconcerting that both Dunn and Burton seem to have more

of a problem with Leece being -- gasp -- religious than with Ferryman

breaking the law and possibly endangering other people with his behavior.

Ferryman should set an example he would be proud of.

A.M. GRANT

Newport Beach