Mayor Bradley’s Effectiveness

Having served in elective office for 15 years, nine in Congress and six in the California Assembly, I well understand that in the heat of a potential political campaign that individuals who share common goals and concern for Los Angeles can seem at odds with each other. However, I must take exception to comments reported by The Times (July 15), about Mayor Tom Bradley attributed to Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky indicating that the mayor has not been effective in Washington, D.C. or “wasn’t interested in talking” about Metro Rail with Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles).

This simply is not the case. Bradley has constantly lobbied members of the House and Senate, either in committee hearings or in their individual offices to seek their support for Metro Rail. Bradley’s personal intervention has kept the Metro Rail project moving forward and the present construction of the first 4.4 miles is testimony to his leadership.

While I appreciate that there are differences as it relates to portions of the route for Metro Rail, I have personally been at meetings called by the mayor on Capitol Hill, in which Waxman has participated. There has always been an active dialogue and exchange of concerns and ideas about Metro Rail and other issues and Mayor Bradley has always expressed his willingness to meet with Waxman on any of his visits.

As a member of Congress representing part of Los Angeles, I know first-hand observation and conversation with other colleagues that Bradley is very much regarded as a visible and effective representative for our city in Washington, D.C.

REP. JULIAN C. DIXON

D-Los Angeles

Washington, D.C.