CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : HEALDSBURG : Governor’s Reply to Letter Is a Shocker

A man who complained to Gov. George Deukmejian about state budget cuts affecting the poor and disabled was stunned by the letter he got back. Charles Killingsworth, who runs a nonprofit agency serving adults with brain injuries, wrote Deukmejian that the cuts will hurt real people, “not just a bunch of nameless and faceless numbers.” The governor’s reply thanks Killingsworth for his “desire and willingness to pay more taxes.” It then says the governor does not believe in general tax increases, but is pleased to hear from Californians volunteering to pay more. “If you write a personal check to the state. . . .,” the letter said, “I will make sure that it is immediately deposited.” “Truly, I was shocked,” Killingsworth said. Peggy Bengs, who handles the governor’s correspondence, said the letter was “meant to have a touch of humor, but also meant to make a point” that people do not want to pay higher taxes, and also do not want programs cut.