Cityhood for Hacienda Heights

My family and I have been living in Hacienda Heights for more than 17 years, and believe me, I know the importance of a burden-free community that cityhood would leave behind. However, after weighing the pros and cons of both sides, I find myself a staunch supporter of cityhood.

I have found that many who oppose incorporation believe that cityhood advocates are betraying the community that has been good to them. Well, if cityhood means a way to dump the dump, then I’m all for it. Maybe it isn’t such an issue to those of you who live on the other side of the hill, but our back yard is destined to be your trash can.

Sure, we have enjoyed the freedoms that cityhood wouldn’t allow, and everybody is sick and tired of corrupt governments, but with the right leaders, Hacienda Heights could be a successful city. Organization could be quicker and more efficient with a legislative body to fight for us.

I also realize as well as the next person that “read my lips, no new taxes” just won’t happen. But cityhood would stipulate local control over our tax dollars otherwise spent elsewhere (i.e., L.A. County). Taxes with expansion are inevitable, but this money could be spent to benefit us.

As a student at Los Altos High School, I know firsthand the importance of a good library. With the right leaders, a districtwide library is both feasible and approaching necessity.

Students should not have to drive to West Covina or Whittier to find a decent source of information and knowledge. What about those who have no transportation? Hacienda Heights has only one public library. . . . The information needed for many research projects can only be found in more extensive libraries.

Obviously, with such a close vote, enough residents are dissatisfied with the present status. A new drive for incorporation is inevitable. Together we can put Hacienda Heights City on the map.

BETSY FLENNIKEN, Hacienda Heights