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The Berkeley Daily Planet, in the Feb. 1-3 edition, ran two lengthy opinion pieces critical of the attempts to close Derby Street by the School Board and city in order to accommodate a full size baseball field.  

The Berkeley School Board fully concurs w ith several of the allegations in the article. We also do not want anyone to build “a fenced, locked, hardball field with night lights and electronic sound system available seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., 365 days a year.” No one on the board has e ver stated they wanted this, regardless of the statements by Mr. Schorer and Ms. Bryant in their opinion pieces. We don’t want anyone to close Derby Street unless there is a dedicated spot for the Farmers Market somewhere on the property, preferably along Martin Luther King Way. And the school district would never let someone build an athletic field on our property to make money. The money to build an athletic field was approved by the citizens of Berkeley when we passed several bond measures to upgrade t he facilities for our students, not to generate income. 

However, after reading Mr. Schorer’s and Ms. Bryant’s opinion pieces one would never believe this to be the case. Also, each writer constantly refers to “a member of the board” without giving a name. I can only assume they are referring to me. I have been the most active School Board member, during my tenure on the School Board, for an athletic facility around Derby Street that could accommodate a full-sized baseball field and guarantee a dedicated s pace for the Tuesday Farmers Market. But I have never advocated a “hardball field with overhead lights and loudspeakers, locked, and available, seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., 365 days of the year.” I have never, ever, suggested that this facility b y used to “make money for the School District” by renting it out to outside organizations. And I have always stated that I would never support any plan that does not guarantee a space for the Farmers Market. 

I also have never accused the neighbors of bei ng NIMBYs, but concerned citizens with legitimate concerns that must be addressed if Derby Street were to be closed. In my mind it is not a done deal. Much needs to be done to build community trust and support before Derby Street could be closed and a lar ge athletic facility built. 

Maybe it is the vision thing. I always thought elected officials were supposed to be leaders and visionaries. I have tried, for over six years on the Berkeley School Board, to live up to these ideals of public office. I also t ry and lead by example. I have always been honest and said exactly what I believe. I have never tried to legislate with back door deals or shove anything down anyone’s throat. I am proud of my record of expressing a vision for a better Berkeley and attempting to convince people of the legitimacy of my positions. I have come to these conclusions after living in Berkeley for over 45 years, teaching at Berkeley High School for 32 years, serving on the School Board for over six years, and working with o thers across this city to make this the best place to live in this state. 

I think it is counterproductive to write inflammatory opinion pieces that are filled with half-truths, at best, and downright false statements, at worst, when important decisions have to be made with the help of thoughtful citizens. 

Most of the residents in South Berkeley, and living near our Derby Street property, are open minded, sincere, and desire the best for our students, our city and their neighborhood. Calling the actions of the School Board and City Council cronyism, lowering property values, catering to the wishes of the wealthy and influential does a disservice to a process that demands respectful conversations and truthful dialogue. 

Even though some would stoop to destructive tactics to derail an important decision making process I will continue to work with everyone for the best possible solution our collective heads can produce. 

Terry Doran is vice president of Berkeley School Board. t