Newswatch Item Misread Wieder

Your recent Newswatch item (Oct. 23) on the Orange County Transportation Authority’s committee structure was inaccurate and has caused embarrassment for Supervisor Harriett Wieder, an alternate member of the authority’s board of directors.

Specifically, your unattributed item said Supervisor Wieder was livid because alternate members would not be allowed to participate in board committee deliberations. You reported, erroneously, that this action was pointed at her.

In fact, no limits were placed on the participation of alternate members in committee discussions at all. No unfair restrictions were placed on Supervisor Wieder’s right to participate in committee discussions or anyone else’s right to speak. If your Newswatch item had been correct, Supervisor Wieder rightfully would have been livid. But the Newswatch item was simply wrong.

GARY L. HAUSDORFER

Chairman, OCTA, Orange