Criticism of Silver’s Remarks Out of Line

* As Sherman Oaks homeowners of 37 years who attended the hearings Oct. 23 on the proposed modification of the Sherman Oaks Galleria, we want to express our dismay at the reaction of Larry Friedman, the hearing examiner, to remarks made by Gerald Silver relevant to the public safety of a remodeled facility.

Silver’s remarks were well-intended and realistic in light of today’s world, where to attract attention is almost to court danger. It was Friedman who chose, for no apparent reason except possibly political expediency, to inject the “race card.” As the hearing examiner, he should have been a neutral conduit of meaningful support and / or opposition to the plans before the Planning Commission. It would be just as easy to interpret his remarks as an attempt to stifle opposition to the project. We hope this is not the case.

RICHARD and BROOK CARLYLE

Sherman Oaks