Bradley’s Fight for Political Survival
As an elected official, particularly one who serves on no private boards of directors nor as a paid consultant to any firm, I read The Times’ articles (Aug. 6) on Mayor Bradley with more than passing interest.
But I should point out that The Times’ list of city-provided benefits, which included the use of a rent-free municipal mansion in Hancock Park, omitted the “possessory” tax paid directly by the mayor.
Since the 1850s, California has had a law that requires someone benefiting from the use of public property while not actually owning it to pay a possessory tax, which is assessed by my office.
Last year, the mayor was sent, and paid, a $1,077.44 possessory interest bill in lieu of a property tax. We have about 10,000 possessory assessments in effect throughout the county.
JOHN J. LYNCH
Los Angeles County Assessor
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