Martinez on Salter

Al Martinez’s Dec. 15 column, “The Heart & Soul of Max Salter,” was bittersweet. I wonder if the citizens of Beverly Hills are aware that at the time Salter was wrestling with his problems in the day-to-day operation of his business, he was diligently serving our city as mayor twice. When I asked him, “Why put in such long hours day and night?” he said, “I always took this beautiful city for granted; I feel it is time to pay back.”

The many seeds he planted while in office are now coming to fruition throughout the city. I have been Max’s next-door neighbor for 20 years. When the ladder came down from heaven and the angels descended I believe one angel stayed here on Earth, and I am fortunate indeed to live next door.

HARRY HELFT

Beverly Hills

We call him Sonny. His given name is Max Hilary Salter. Martinez painted a picture of him as an unhappy man, a business failure (Salter’s words). But turn the canvas over and another image appears. We see a man with a flair for life. One with 1,000 friends and 2,000 relatives, all saying “ask Uncle Sonny.”

They ask, he answers. Money, advice, information, jobs, time, stories and most of all, caring. He’s their Hope diamond, flaws and all. Hurts do heal. Knowing Max, his healing will be swift, deserved, complete.

LOIS LEVINE

Los Angeles