Argyros Earned His Wealth

I am angered by the June 30 letters regarding George Argyros and Donald Bren being photographed with presidential candidate Bob Dole.

Mr. Dole was on a fund-raising tour and these men have the money to contribute to his campaign. When President Clinton comes to Orange County on a fund-raising tour, whom do you think he will dine with? Certainly not the corner gas station attendant. I am sure you will see him photographed with wealthy Democrats who want their political beliefs propagated.

I was also angered by the reference to their wealth coming easy, “not by the sweat of their brow.” I have read that Bren’s family were in the entertainment business, but I have known George Argyros since 1956. We were students together at Chapman College (now University) and I know personally that George did not come from a wealthy family. In fact, his grandparents were immigrants from Greece.

During our college days, George supported himself while working nights at a local grocery store. He, like many other wise investors in Orange County, saw the potential growth in this area and invested his hard-earned money.

With the wealth that he has attained, he has been a very generous benefactor to the children and citizens of Orange County. George and his wife, Judie, have given literally thousands of dollars to many charities.

As a public school teacher for more than 35 years in Orange County, I wish there were more generous individuals like George Argyros and Donald Bren.

PATRICIA A. ELLIOTT

Orange