County Leases at Marina Del Rey

We are writing to comment on Bill Boyarsky’s column regarding the county’s management of Marina del Rey (April 22).

We have worked on various matters concerning the Marina for the past three years. For the last 20 months, we have each been intensely involved in completing the Parcel 18 lease extension, which the Board of Supervisors approved (April 22). During this entire time, neither of us has ever been asked by any supervisor, or any member of his or her staff, to compromise the county’s position in any way, and none discussed any of the terms of the extension with us while it was being negotiated. Instead, we were required aggressively to pursue business and legal elements which benefit the county at the cost of the tenant.

The lease extension was reviewed at every step in the negotiation process by a consortium of independent economic and legal advisers. Contrary to Boyarsky’s insinuation, no favors were granted in such negotiations. On the contrary, the county’s Beaches and Harbor Commission behaved impeccably and responsibly.

Like all business negotiations, the lease extension was initially discussed among lawyers and their clients at many meetings. Boyarsky’s reference to secret meetings is disingenuous. Is he suggesting that all of the county’s legal negotiations be held in open session? He ignores that fact that the extension has been the subject of extensive public review.

RICHARD J. RIORDAN

RICHARD S. VOLPERT

Los Angeles