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Editor: 

Robert Cabrera's condescending letter to students on how to build political influence (”Political lesson from the black community to the students” 1/30/02) concealed a hidden personal agenda that he holds in the upcoming state Assembly race. Cabrera's true motivations for promoting Charles Ramsey's candidacy is Ramsey's complete allegiance to landlords and real estate interests. In his campaign, Charles Ramsey has openly expressed support for Costa-Hawkins (the state law that has cause Berkeley rents to rise 45%), and would probably vote to abolish rent control in California -- if the opportunity was presented to him.  

As President of the Berkeley Property Owners Association, Robert Cabrera has generously contributed to Ramsey's campaign -- as have other Berkeley landlords like Frank Davis, and an organization known as “The Evictors.” Ramsey's contributor list even includes Berkeley landlord Harold Hanerfeld, who attempted to evict two Cal students for having a third roommate -- in a three-bedroom apartment!! The bottom line is that Charles Ramsey has been bought, lock, stock and barrel by the most callous and rapacious landlord interests the East Bay can boast.  

Any East Bay resident who cares about the housing crisis should vote for Loni Hancock in the March 5th primary. Landlords and real estate interests already have enough power in Sacramento. Don't give them the 14th Assembly District by electing Charles Ramsey. 

Paul Hogarth 

Berkeley Rent Board Commissioner 

UC Berkeley graduate (Class of 2000) 

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” 

-- John Lennon