Careers of Controversial Artists

Re Costa Mesa Arts Ordinance (Sept. 26): I read with alarm that the City Council has decided to be the national forerunner in setting art standards and immigrants’ rights.

These are both national issues that could lead to extremely expensive legal battles. The $50,000 to $200,000 in legal fees that the city could incur would consume the total budget it now devotes to supporting service groups and the arts.

I wish the council could address the more mundane issues affecting the city. I would like to know why it costs the city $30,000 to maintain a flower bed? For the past six years, my neighborhood development of 50 homes has been taxed $100 a year each year for the maintenance of some African daisies and trees, which to my knowledge have never been replaced.

I think they should contract this maintenance out to the private sector. I would be willing to take on this responsibility for $10,000, with a $20,000 savings to the city and an $8,000 profit.

With the $20,000 saved, I suggest that the city spend this money for new play equipment in Wakeham Park; for paramedics who could reach our neighborhood before our children sustained brain damage if they stopped breathing; for adequate police patrols, so a police officer is not 20 minutes away from our neighborhood, and for adequate child-care alternatives.

I believe if the voters of Costa Mesa understand that they will have to choose between spending thousands in legal fees to contend with national issues or spending money for new play equipment and adequate emergency and police protection, the choice will be obvious.

GAY GEISER-SANDOVAL

Costa Mesa