A Matter of Style
The Los Angeles Times was wrong to scold Councilwoman Abbe Wolfsheimer. The First Amendment absolutely protects a public official’s honest public statement of opinion about corruption in the public’s business. Moreover, Ms. Wolfsheimer did not intend to influence or cause any city officer to remove any city employee.
Her comments unfortunately expressed her hope that if the allegations prove true they would be redressed, under the law. Because that statement could be prejudicial, and in violation of the San Diego City Charter, Ms. Wolfsheimer apologized publicly and made clear her intent.
The proper style is what was lacking in Ms. Wolfsheimer’s efforts, and proper style comes with experiences like this one. However, mistakes of style should not stop honest efforts to reform the public’s business at City Hall.
MICHAEL J. AGUIRRE
San Diego
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