A Challenge to Residents of 9th District

Long Beach Councilman Warren Harwood’s letter to the editor (Times, Aug. 4) referred to the lack of representation and input from the 9th District, due to Mayor (Ernie) Kell’s lack of nominations from said district.

I am a resident of the 9th District and have been recommended by Mr. Harwood and confirmed by the City Council to many mayor’s task forces and commissions over the past 10 years. It was my honor on July 30 to be confirmed by the City Council as a mayoral appointee to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

It concerns me that Mr. Harwood only considers the Planning Commission, Water Commission, Harbor Commission, Civil Service Commission or Redevelopment Agency as the “important city commissions.” It is my personal feeling that every chartered commission in our city is important as is the input provided by the many volunteer, civic-minded citizens of our city.

I agree that the 9th District is lacking in input and representation, but to place the blame on the mayor is not fully warranted. The citizens of the 9th District need to come forward and make their desires to serve the community known to both their council person as well as the mayor’s office. It is impossible for Mayor Kell to consider candidates unless he becomes familiar with them through recommendations or community activity.

I feel that Mr. Harwood should have made the challenge to the citizens of the 9th District (as well as all other districts) to make their voice heard in City Hall and volunteer their time and talents toward making this a truly international and culturally diverse city, where all concerned citizens participate.

GLADYS A. GUTIERREZ, Long Beach