How Tom Bradley Runs Los Angeles

Your article “Getting Through the Door” (June 14) does not fairly set forth what true access to the mayor is all about.

What was ignored is the only pertinent fact as it relates to my access to Bradley--I am president of the Board of Library Commissioners. Our board has been dutiful in dealing with a myriad of problems as they relate to the Central Library and the 62 branch libraries throughout our city.

I am sure you will recall that in 1986, in April and September, we experienced two disastrous and heartbreaking arson fires, thereby closing our Central Library. We also consider on an ongoing basis, the expansion and rehabilitation of the Central Library (a $153.8 million project), including design and budget approvals; negotiations for a temporary library which includes the leasing of approximately 250,000 square feet at the Design Center on Spring Street; seismic problems in our older libraries including the closing of four facilities; 22 proposed building projects in our library system, and infinite other items which effect the system and our community.

Additionally, I serve on the Board of Save the Books, a private organization which as raised $10 million to help replace the books lost in the fire.

Of course I have access to the mayor--to discuss and seek his guidance in the conduct of city and library business, and how best to spend the millions of dollars of taxpayer funds required for our operations.

To suggest that my access is only due to the contributions to the mayor is folly and completely misleading. Is it poor research that results in an article so incomplete and sensationalistic? Had there been proper investigation you would have found that in my case the bulk of the funds reported in the article as contributions were, in fact, short-term loans (less than 30 days) which were completely repaid in accordance with their terms.

A little information is indeed a dangerous thing.

RONALD S. LUSHING

Los Angeles