Van Nuys Airport’s Advisory and City Panels

* The opinion piece by Gerald and Myrna Silver (July 23) regarding the Van Nuys Airport contains numerous generalities, inaccuracies and accusations. One of them concerns the makeup of the Airport’s Citizens Advisory Council.

The Silvers write that “City Councilman Marvin Braude . . . refuses to appoint homeowner representatives from south and southeast of the airport to the city advisory panel.”

In truth, Braude appointed me to the council in 1990, and I served on it until 1993. I have been a homeowner in Encino, the area to which the Silvers refer, since 1972.

In discussing a potential appointment to the advisory council, Councilman Braude’s aide informed me that I was invited specifically because I had been a homeowner in the area for many years and have been active in community affairs.

Since the Silvers rail against “pro-aviation interests,” I should point out that my firm, Cooper Communications Inc., has never represented the airport or any of the aviation interests related to it.

The council represents a broad range of viewpoints, and is composed of hard-working, fair-minded community representatives. I was proud to be one of them.

MARTIN M. COOPER

Encino

* It seems that The Times news coverage of government officials, more often than not, focuses upon negative and derogatory comments by local citizens concerning controversial issues.

But the recent article (“Panel Backs New Aircraft Limitations for Van Nuys,” July 26) on the measures approved by the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners to reduce helicopter noise generated out of Van Nuys Airport reflects the kind of government action that is worthy of praise.

Airport Commission President Ted Stein, a resident of Encino, is to be commended for leadership on this issue that has impacted Valley neighborhoods for years. Past efforts by community residents have been met with inaction based on alleged lack of local control over airport matters in favor of the Federal Aviation Administration. Tired of hearing the same old excuses, Commissioner Stein wisely concluded that the existing noise impacts were unacceptable and that further action should be taken.

In a time of increasing public cynicism of elected and appointed officials at all levels of government, it is refreshing to see the city’s airport commissioners, appointed by Mayor Riordan, actually listening and responding to the concerns of our communities.

ROB GLUSHON

Encino