Yaroslavsky Should Be Lauded for Standing Up

* You can’t have it both ways. Two weeks ago you described the heated questions Barbara Yaroslavsky received when she spoke at the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. forum. Then you criticized her (Valley Perspective, April 9) for not attending all of the voter forums in the 5th Council District.

I attended that homeowner association meeting and was impressed with the knowledge and patience with which Ms. Yaroslavsky responded to a series of hostile questions and unfair criticism. Interestingly, the hostility appeared to arise based on her husband, Zev’s, actions to benefit the entire council district as opposed to a select vocal minority.

After previously writing at length on her standing up to a hostile audience, it is at best inconsistent and at worst hypocritical to echo shrill criticisms of opposing candidates toward Ms. Yaroslavsky for not attending every forum. Too often those supposedly impartial forums are “packed” with supporters of opponents and do not allow for an honest debate of the issues.

Barbara Yaroslavsky has had the courage to tackle the toughest issues at the toughest voter forums. She should be commended and not criticized for her actions.

WAYNE AVRASHOW

Studio City