Aquarium Foes Are Not ‘Selfish’

In reference to “Changing Channels” Jan. 27, we were appalled to read that Supervisor John Flynn accuses local residents who oppose building an aquarium at Channel Islands Harbor of “Shoot(ing) from the hip” and asserts, “You’ve got a lot of selfishness down there.”

Flynn has a long history of ignoring the wishes of taxpayers and residents who are constituents of his district and who live around the harbor. Is it selfish to want input into and information from the committee planning major development in one’s neighborhood? Is it selfish to be concerned about greatly increased traffic, air and noise pollution or economic viability of an aquarium that will be one of 10 or more being planned in Southern California?

Flynn’s lack of understanding of the democratic process seems often to lead him to “shoot from the hip” and has earned him the reputation with many constituents of the 5th District of unresponsiveness and arrogance.

PERRY COOK and J. H. MULLIN, Oxnard

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I must be one of the “they” that Supervisor John Flynn has made reference to, and I take his remarks as an insult. He should apologize to the residents of this beach community for speaking in such a way about the people he represents or doesn’t represent.

He has not in my opinion represented this community for the past few years. For example, this community has a storm drain system using sumps that are dug up about once a year and the waste material is dumped on the beach where children can play in it. Since October, I have written several letters to the Board of Supervisors and talked to Flynn on the phone advising them that the waste could contain possible hazardous waste. I understand that there has been no testing to date. I have never received a reply.

This is the kind of representation we have. The people of this community deserve to be heard and respected by our elected officials.

DON DODD, Hollywood Beach