Council Can Be Petty

We are delighted that Mayor Maureen O’Connor has called on the City Council to adopt the proposed Managed Growth Initiative sponsored by Prevent Los Angelization Now! The initiative has been modeled on successful statutes in many cities in California and throughout the United States. With increased public awareness of the environment and the effects of growth, it is time for the council to lead the city and not wait for the initiative process to lead it.

However, we hope that the initiative will not increase dissension on the council. In many council appearances over the past 10 years, I have seen bitter infighting and pettiness. I have seen councilmen get up and leave, rather than vote for an issue sponsored by a political enemy, even though the defecting member otherwise agrees with the measure. This is unworthy behavior and the new council should make a strong effort to avoid it.

We are not a rural hamlet and we cannot afford to have the council behave like sixth-graders. Ladies and gentlemen can disagree and still be courteous and respectful of each other’s views.

There are constructive ways to work out differences, ways that would put the welfare of the city ahead of personal animosity. Perhaps the council needs counsel.

CATHERINE A. STROHLEIN

Vice Chairwoman of PLAN