Coyote Trapping Hearing Was Unfair

* As expected, the Los Angeles Animal Regulation Commission turned the coyote hearing at Parkman Middle School into a travesty and exhibited its hallmark bad faith and impropriety.

After being expressly asked by Mayor Richard Riordan to refrain from bringing in “expert” witnesses, and instead of listening to and addressing the concerns of the public, the commission thumbed their noses at the mayor and his desire that all sides play on a level playing field. Three “experts” handpicked by the commission for their views against trapping coyotes had an opportunity to speak even before the two opposing sides had a chance to speak.

If the mayor and City Council feel they cannot remove or control the loose cannons on the commission, perhaps they should consider turning the entire department over to Los Angeles County. The citizens would get far better service, and the city would save millions of dollars.

MICHAEL LAZAROU

Woodland Hills