Davis Sells Circus

Having a city’s name attached to a sports franchise is apparently good for boosting political egos, even though currently Anaheim has settled for the “California” Angeles and the “Los Angeles” Rams. It is not necessary that any team member or owner actually be a part of the community to say that they are “our team.” Let an enterprising owner hint that his team is available and watch the money head his way.

If Al Davis could do with the game of football what he does with the game of finances, the Raiders would be champions. All he has to do is perhaps smile in the direction of Irwindale and the city fathers fall over themselves to present him with a gift of $10 million. Other cities line up with offers of far greater amounts. We need this man in public office to handle financial affairs.

I have no real interest in where the peripatetic Mr. Davis lands next. What I do resent is paying additional sales tax, minuscule though it is, to defray costs of repairing earthquake damage in Oakland while the city puts up a reported $600 million to lure a football team back to town.

The people of Oakland are in need of many things. They are being offered a circus rather than bread, and at $30 per ticket, how many of the inner-city residents can afford the circus?

RAY BRACY

Tustin