Apply Zoning Laws Equally

The Warner Ridge court case has put our elected officials on notice that it is getting too difficult financially (to the city) and politically (to Councilwoman Joy Picus this time), to decide whose side to be on. Rather, as Councilman Hal Bernson publicly admitted, it would be more politically advantageous for lawmakers to be “more careful and respectful” and “make decisions more on merits.”

The homeowner group in this case should be careful not to turn itself into what it was organized to fight: a common-interest group that wields unfair advantage over the way laws or justice is applied simply because of the clout--in money or votes--that it can apply to those who make those decisions.

It is inevitable that some other group would perceive that this homeowner group unfairly has too much power and would then try to gang up on them. This creates an angered and divisive citizenry.

Instead, citizen groups should be insisting that our public officials be held to their elected task of providing laws and justice based on what is just for all.

DONNA AFFLERBACH

Chatsworth