Ruling Improper

Judge F.V. Lopardo’s ruling on the City of Vista’s vote for redevelopment was, overall, improper. His decision was reasonable in the technical, narrow sense. That is, four of the contested six ballots may have clearly indicated a “yes” vote by the voter. Judges, however, are empowered with more responsibility that such a narrow viewpoint of the law. “Justice” and “fairness” must prevail and pervade judicial decisions.

Because of Judge Lopardo’s ruling, Proposition K is allowed to pass. But justice dictates that all 62 of the contested ballots, not just those six that were hand selected by an attorney representing proponents of Proposition K, should have been analyzed.

Judge Lopardo overturned a valid, certified election and leaves the City of Vista under a cloud of doubt and suspicion because the true results of the election are still not known.

It is the ability to view the whole picture with “justice for all” that is the foundation of reverence and respect for our senior court officials. Judge Lopardo’s apparent narrowness of vision will cause further erosion of America’s trust in its legal system. Something must be done to “cure” this defect! DO SOMETHING, JUDGE LOPARDO.

G.F. NOBLE

Vista

Editor’s note: Superior Court Judge Lawrence Kapiloff on Monday temporarily barred the Vista City Council from adopting an ordinance launching the urban renewal program because of legal challenges by Vistans for Honest Government, a citizens group opposed to redevelopment.