Dear editor,

I read with interest the article on the front page of the April 29 Register titled "Two Napa Councilmen Deny They Have Endorsed D.A."

I am amazed and astounded that any of the elected officials in Napa County would endorse Gary Lieberstein for district attorney considering the following facts:

* The number of arrests in Napa County during the last four years has remained constant at approximately 6,800 arrests per year.

* During this same four-year period the budget for the District Attorneys' Office has increased by 50 percent.

* Also in this same four-year period Mr. Lieberstein has been over budget $900,000 in 2004/2005 and over budget $874,000 in 2005/2006.

This tremendous budget increase and repeated spending over budget by the district attorney obviously have great impact on the funds available for other county departments including social services, public works, and public safety.

When the district attorney overspends, remaining county departments must cut their budgets which results in fewer services available for our neighbors, fellow taxpayers, senior citizens and children.

Chuck Rathjen

Napa