After reading “An unpleasant phone call” (Letters, Sept. 12), I was surprised at the conversation the writer had with Sen. Anthony Cannella’s staff.

I have had the opportunity to talk to Cannella on several occasions and I know he prides himself on not simply voting the party line. Just this year, there were dozens of bills where he did not vote the way the Republicans recommended, ranging from bicycle passing distances to state park closures.

Senate Bill 210 is an example of a bill that was significantly changed after the senator voted on it. Once a bill is heavily amended, it has to go back to the Senate for a revote. Before he was given the chance to vote on the final version, it died in the Assembly.

Cannella votes with his conscience and what is best for his constituents and the state of California, and these will never be trumped by the interests of his party.

SUSAN WALSH

Merced