Letter from Dr. Kathleen Belton

In an October 24, 1976 letter to the Oxnard Press-Courier, Dr. M. Kathleen Belton corrects statements made by Mr. Imbrecht in a candidates' forum, clarifying that AB 2939 (the Berman Bill) did not pass and instead died in committee, and noting that Jane Tolmach is aware of this. She explains that the bill actually enacted was AB 1898 (the Chel Bill), which allows certain cooperative insurance arrangements among physicians but does not resolve the broader medical malpractice crisis. Belton criticizes candidates who misunderstand the issue, particularly attorneys, given the serious impact of malpractice costs on medical care. In a handwritten note to Tolmach, she says she hopes the letter will help sway votes, mentions she is recovering from hepatitis and has voted absentee, and wishes Tolmach good luck in the election.