Protecting Children From False Allegations

San Diego Union-Tribune
August 27, 1998

Dear Editor,

We need to look at the candidates that support protecting the innocent from system abuse. It is important to look at what they do by their deed not their words. In the James Wade and Dale Akiki false prosecution cases the San Diego taxpayers paid millions. At the heart of each of these cases were social workers acting reprehensibly to put innocent men in jail. The social workers had "total immunity". This is consistant with other witchhunts all over this country.

Dede Alpert apparently believes that to protect children effectively, social workers must be granted the flexibility to lie, to manufacture false evidence, and to suppress evidence that would clear a party who is accused falsely of a crime against a child. When AB1355 was introduced in the State Assembly to close these "total immunity" loopholes, and make social workers accountable for willful misconduct, Alpert opposed it. It is clear by her deeds that supports abuse of system. When AB1355 became law, it was over Alpert's objection. Social workers may be sued if they manufacture false evidence, or suppress evidence that would vindicate a person falsely accused. In this case, thankfully, what Dede Alpert wanted, didn't matter.

We need to elect legislators that support the truth, and pass bills providing consequences for falsehoods. Alpert's lack of respect for the truth shows in her voting record.

Sincerely,
Lawrence Kelman