Policing Leaf Blowers

“City OKs Ban, Fines on Gas Leaf Blowers,” Nov. 13.

Councilman Marvin Braude has decided to do something special for his Valley constituents; he is leaving office. On his way out, he has pushed through another unenforceable law, [banning] gas leaf blowers.

Looking at the council voting on this law last night on TV, I could not believe what I saw. We in the Valley have a shortage of police, and now they will have to look at gardeners and their tools. Crime prevention will take second place; the high-profile gas leaf blowers are more important than protecting the citizens of Los Angeles.

I as a homeowner can also be fined if my gardener uses this gas leaf blower. This gardener is a self-employed contractor who uses his own tools, but because of this ridiculous law I will have to stay home on the day the gardener comes to my house and watch him to make sure he does not use this gas leaf blower. Since he cannot use this tool and will have to use a broom, which will take more time than he allots for what I pay him, he will have to raise my price also. So I lose a day’s work and pay more for my gardener’s work.

What stupid people we have running this city. Please let the Valley leave so that perhaps we will have leaders with more wisdom and leadership than I saw on TV last night.

GILBERT SMITH, Encino