I cannot let Susan Tellem’s attack on Kathy Wisnicki in the Feb. 14 issue of The Malibu Times pass without noting that while Ms. Tellem’s activism has consisted largely of composing rambling rants to the local papers, Ms. Wisnicki has quietly devoted many thousands of hours over many years to improving our local schools. Malibu’s “Top 100” high school and our outstanding elementary schools have achieved their status due in part to the tireless work of Kathy Wisnicki and Laura Rosenthal. Malibu is fortunate indeed that Kathy has now decided to run for City Council. Her considerable intelligence and unflagging energy are just what’s needed at City Hall. I can think of no one I’d rather have representing the city as Malibu begins the long and involved process of establishing its own school district.
I know Ms. Tellem only through her Letters to the Editor. I remember well a letter she wrote several years ago in opposition to a school bond issue. As I recall, the gist of that letter was along the lines of “I sent my kids to Catholic school. Why should I pay taxes to support the public schools?” (While I am obviously paraphrasing from memory here, the writer’s “let them eat cake” tone was so appalling to me that I made a mental note of Ms. Tellem’s name at the time.)
Given Ms. Tellem’s lack of involvement with-and apparent antipathy toward-our public schools, it is perhaps not surprising that she might be unaware of the tremendous impact that Kathy Wisnicki’s work has had upon our community. Malibu voters should not make the same mistake.
Pam Eilerson