Nate Holden’s Residences

After reading the article in The Times (Sept. 24), which related to the property I own and the threats on my life, I am compelled to reply.

For example, the first paragraph stated that I have lived outside the city limits in Marina del Rey for the past one and a half years; not so. I informed the reporter that for the first couple of years, after acquiring the property, I did not stay there even one night. However, one and a half years ago, as I informed the reporter, I was advised by the Police Department to find another place to stay until the situation quieted down. I took their advice.

The threats did not start until The Times erroneously published that I was a Daryl Gates supporter. The fact is, when we learned that the Police Commission had violated the law, by holding a secret meeting and removing the chief, I voted to settle a lawsuit that the chief had filed against the city of Los Angeles to get his job back. The majority of the council voted to settle the lawsuit. My vote was not “for or against” Gates, but was to settle the lawsuit in the best interest of the taxpayers.

The article stated that I refused to vote on the proposed settlement of King’s civil lawsuit against the city. What I said to the reporter was that according to the city attorney, the judge had recommended a settlement of nearly $6 million and the city attorney concurred. Notwithstanding the city attorney’s recommendation, the council members discussed the theory of renegotiating with King and offering him a low-ball figure. I protested their action and asked them if they remembered April 29 and what happened. I also stated that the council should think of serious negotiations with King’s attorney with all parties present to reach a settlement. They refused to consider negotiations of the settlement so I excused myself.

During my absence, the majority of the members voted to offer a settlement of $1.25 million to be paid off over 41 years. I viewed the actions of the council, then and now, to be reckless and potentially explosive.

I am a citizen and I have certain constitutional rights. Because I am an elected official, I cannot be denied the right to own property when and wherever I want and to use it as I choose.

NATE HOLDEN, Councilman, 10th District