Letters to the Editor, Aug. 21

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, Aug. 21

Taking issue with Baroni
To the editor:
    I have followed the coverage of the Clean Elections pilot program in the 14th District. In reviewing Bill Baroni’s filed contributions, I am disappointed to see that Bill Baroni, as sponsor of the Clean Elections Law, used money from special interest groups including insurance, oil and gas companies, in his uncontested primary race, despite his constant touting of his involvement with Clean Elections legislation and not missing an opportunity to say how he wants to get special interests out of politics.
   Other writers have commented on his using “loopholes” in the Clean Elections Law to his advantage. As an election lawyer, Bill Baroni has defended politicians that have violated the law. So it should be no surprise that on the one hand he co-sponsored the Clean Elections Law and then turned right around and violated the spirit of that law by accepting big contributions from special interests. Please judge Bill Baroni by what he does, not by what he says.
Larry S. Rosenthal
Beech Avenue
Hamilton
Conductor’s exit is distressing To the editor:
    Last Tuesday, I read in this paper the most distressing news about the Princeton Symphony losing their superb and inspiring local conductor, Mark Laycock. I greatly admired the way he built up the orchestra into a first class professional body of musicians, who gave outstanding performances under his leadership.
   Personally, I have no interest whatsoever in any of the outsiders performing during this coming season as guest conductors. I do not wish to see any one of them being appointed as the new musical director.
   This is my recommendation to the board of trustees: By all means have one or two guest conductors each year, but continue to respect our local man as principal conductor. Let him have a sabbatical, but please do not set aside such local talent.
Clive Muncaster
Towpath Court
West Windsor
Journalism program is praiseworthy
To the editor:
    Your story on the Princeton University Summer Journalism Program Tuesday was a beautiful piece. I liked the choice of quotes and a look at the future with Richard’s ideas of expansion.
   I thoroughly enjoyed the program as a student last year. I would not be heading to Princeton University in two weeks (or even have applied, for that matter) if it were not for the kind of selfless support the directors provide after the program with applications for colleges, scholarships and journalism internships.
   Not only are we inspired to become better journalists and learn of the importance of diversity in journalism, but we also make lifelong friends and mentors who believe in us.
   I hope the program survives to benefit other students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. If your readers would like to know how they can contribute to the program, they should visit the Web site at www.princeton.edu/sjp/contact_us.
Tasnim Shamma
168th Street
Jamaica, New York 