Change of Philosophy?

I read with great interest Pete Schabarum’s pontification on the passage of Proposition 140 in The Times Nov. 13.

I agree with most of the things he said. What is bewildering is how he can praise the voters for knowing their own minds, condemn a Legislature that is out of step with public opinion, and-- as chairman of the Board of Supervisors--act vigorously in just the opposite direction.

I refer to his recent position concerning building a courthouse across the street from a residential community in Chatsworth.

Over 1,000 voters protested this action. Certainly these voters know their minds. They see their community sacrificed because a few bureaucrats prefer a certain site, which is now owned by a large contributor to the political coffers.

How does this differ from Sacramento?

As to being out of step with public opinion, the polls and common sense clearly show that a courthouse and homes should not be juxtaposed.

Yet, Mr. Schabarum took a firm stand against the voters and public opinion and supported the courts. Only Mike Antonovich and Edmond Edelman took a stand for the family. Mr. Schabarum even praised the courts for the job they had done against the homeowners.

Maybe I misjudge these inconsistencies on the part of Mr. Schabarum. Perhaps he has had a change of political philosophy, and when the matter of the alternate Chatsworth courthouse site comes before the supervisors, the alternate site that does not impact a residential area will find a new supporter in Pete Schabarum, practicing what he preaches.

HARRY W. GODLEY

Chatsworth

Godley is c hairman of the Chatsworth Homeowners Committee