To Silver’s Defense

To label Gerald A. Silver, president of Homeowners of Encino, a “slow-growth gadfly” (L.A. Times, May 10) is to trivialize a person that many of us would call a civic hero. That pejorative reference reveals your reporter’s ignorance of Silver’s tireless and unpaid efforts over some 20 years fighting some of the most pressing battles facing the San Fernando Valley--airport noise, irresponsible development and sewer pollution, just to mention a few.

Gerald Silver, perhaps a “Don Quixote” at worst, is laboring on his own time and expense to accomplish what we pay city employees to do full time--to make this a more livable city. Los Angeles needs more Gerald Silvers, whatever his label.

ZANVILLE S. GREEN

Studio City