Secession Measure

In his article “Queasy About Secession,” (June 22) Scott Harris lambasted the action taken by Valley secession bill sponsors, state Assemblymen Tom McClintock and Bob Hertzberg, to propose an initiative should the bill be defeated or stonewalled in the state Legislature. Harris apparently feels that such an issue is not important enough to be appropriate initiative material, as he noted significant past initiatives such as those concerning property taxes, affirmative action and illegal immigration. The fate of the largest economic center of the state, however, would seem to demand attention, if not by legislation then by initiative.

While an initiative may not be necessary given the support for the secession bill, even with the “poison pill” amendment, the threat was an appropriate action to take to keep supporters in line.

Harris suggested through a quote by state Sen. [Bill] Lockyer that the attempt to put pressure on the state Senate would hurt the bill’s chances of passage, but when push comes to shove, the pressure of the electorate will prevail over the pride of legislators in opposition.

JEANNINE ENGELHARDT

Van Nuys

* Harris should focus his attention to the undemocratic actions of Lockyer instead of attacking citizens who are simply fighting for their right to self-governance.

MARION KUZMIN

Northridge