Media Ignored Katz and Wachs

In regard to Scott Harris’ column of April 22, isn’t it sad that two candidates for the same public office “cancel each other out” by running pragmatic, polite, truthful campaigns? I think, however, that the Times and the Daily News should acknowledge their participation in making the recent election a “two-way race” rather than a truly open one.

Positive reporting of Richard Katz’s and Joel Wachs’s activities was scarce (nonexistent in the Daily News) and almost always relegated to back pages. While I agree that a privately owned institution has the right to endorse any candidate or espouse any cause it chooses, I believe that a public information medium has an obligation to fully present all points of view.

True, there were interviews and question and answer columns with all the candidates. I am referring to daily campaign coverage in which appearances, statements and public activities of Katz and Wachs were limited to “sound-bites” at the end of stories featuring Woo and Riordan. Even then Katz and Wachs quotes only appeared when “continued on” page six or 10 or whatever.

Mr. Katz and Mr. Wachs are good men, hard workers and responsible public servants. They deserve more consideration than they received from you. Personally, I am writing in Mr. Katz name on the June ballot because I still believe he is the best man to govern Los Angeles. It’s a shame the his record, integrity and compassion weren’t enough to make him your “media darling.”

HELEN JONES

Arleta