HUD Scandals and Sam Pierce

Here’s how “Silent Sam” Pierce got his nickname. In 1980, hundreds of United States mayors gathered in a crowded room in Washington, D.C., waiting to meet Ronald Reagan’s new HUD secretary and learn what was in store for the nation’s cities. As mayor of Inglewood and also President of NOISE, the National Organization to Insure Sound-controlled Environment, I was among those waiting anxiously to hear how local programs would fare under the new Administration.

Pierce was late arriving. Finally, he made an entrance, marching down the center aisle to the podium, followed by his retinue of aides. Mayor George Latimer of St. Paul, chairing the meeting, launched into a courteous and warm introduction and called upon Pierce to speak.

He did not! He simply stood, acknowledged the greeting with an imperial wave of his hand and stalked back down the aisle and out of the room, leaving stunned silence that lasted a full minute.

At last, Mayor Latimer, seldom at a loss himself, rose and said: “Well, I’ve heard of men of few words, but this is ridiculous!”

Apparently the indignation and affront succeeded in arranging personal meetings with Pierce the following day--in small groups of mayors. We were handed cards upon entrance and instructed to write a question and we would be called on individually to address his majesty. When my turn came, I explained that Inglewood had embarked on a nationally publicized and praised program to mitigate the devastating effects of airport noise on part of our city by relocating residents to affordable housing elsewhere and redeveloping the area with light industry compatible with the aircraft noise. The project had the enthusiastic support of the Carter White House, which had directed all government agencies to cooperate.

I wanted to know if the support would continue and would we receive the promised funds. Pierce said coldly, “You won’t get it from us.” Then he turned to another mayor.

Apparently projects profiting Pierce’s law partner had better luck.

Bravo to (current HUD Secretary) Jack Kemp and Rep. Tom Lantos (D-San Mateo) for finally forcing Silent Sam to speak up.

LEE WEINSTEIN

Inglewood