City’s Support for AIDS Programs

In response to Laurie Becklund’s article (“AIDS Activist Claims Mayor Slowed Hospice,” Metro, Aug. 13) regarding allegations that Mayor Tom Bradley’s AIDS programs are “more symbolism than substance,” I feel the need to offer an alternative view. These comments are made as head of an agency that provides more services to persons with HIV than any other agency in Los Angeles County.

I find it unfortunate that you chose to give coverage to Michael Weinstein’s unfair attack. Far from impeding progress on the hospice project or any other, Bradley and his office, along with city AIDS coordinators Phill Wilson and, before him, Dave Johnson, have been busy spearheading an impressive list of achievements that includes: allocating more than $4 million to AIDS residential programs, funding the distribution of bleach and condoms, funding education and outreach activities to underserved populations like injection drug users, funding a binational conference and initiating and adopting the most progressive and far-reaching AIDS policy in the country. In addition, the mayor’s office specifically has worked to expedite Weinstein’s projects, saving him tens of thousands of dollars in permit and other costs.

Weinstein has been granted more than $650,000 in city funds--considerably more than any other AIDS agency. While it is true that using public dollars for capital projects create considerable dotting of I’s and crossing of Ts, these regulations are neither new nor unreasonable.

TORIE OSBORN, Executive Director

Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian

Community Services Center