Bringing NFL Back to L.A.

“Holden’s High Hopes” (Jan. 23) was not a news article, but a misinformed editorial demeaning my leadership in Los Angeles.

I am the lawmaker who brought the abuse of a dog named Pal to the attention of the City Council, where I received unanimous support in a vote to offer a $15,000 reward in the case. I am the lawmaker who defends Hispanic members of the council when I believe their constituents should decide whether they want them to remain in office. I am the lawmaker who wants to see L.A. remain one city, and I believe an NFL football team is vital to the economy and the prestige of the city.

I am the lawmaker promoted by Council President John Ferraro to head the highly influential Inter-Governmental Relations Committee, because of my extensive legislative experience in Sacramento and Washington. I am the lawmaker who stood against Councilman Joel Wachs on the issue of the sports arena because I have never been afraid to stand alone. I am the lawmaker who stood alone in a 14-to-1 vote to save the Los Angeles Central Library, to keep it with the people rather than turn it over to big business, and the people supported me in a citywide vote.

You bet, I am the lawmaker who served as assistant chief deputy under the late, great County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, who helped bring the Dodgers and Raiders to L.A. You bet, I am the messenger who held a press conference to say that the NFL cannot negotiate to bring any team to L.A. until a lawsuit is resolved between the league and Al Davis, and the NFL is not disputing this fact. Don’t shoot the messenger because you don’t like the message.

NATE HOLDEN

10th District Councilman