Rep. James Rogan

Thanks for the fascinating, in-depth look on July 29 at Rep. James Rogan (R-Glendale). It’s gratifying to know that someone from such a troubled and difficult background can become a hero to many in the political world.

As a constituent in his rapidly changing 27th District, however, I think I speak for many in expressing the view that Rogan’s greatest shortcoming was certainly not his commitment to the impeachment process but his continued failure to address himself to many of the important issues in this district.

With extreme overbuilding threatening 238 acres of the Glendale Verdugo Mountains, non-controlled Burbank Airport expansion worrying the residents of that city and a possible freeway cutting through the heart of South Pasadena, it should come as no surprise that many of us are less concerned with Rogan’s pro-life position or Christian Coalition A-plus voting record than we are with his continued lack of action in the local issues that confront us daily.

DIANE KIWAN

Burbank

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All I have heard from the Democrats since the start of the campaign season is that they want to distance themselves from the scandals of the Clinton administration. Yet Democratic strategists and Rogan’s chief opponent, state Sen. Adam Schiff, berate Rogan and somehow blame him for a trial caused solely by the actions of the president. If the Democrats’ claims that the voters are looking to put the scandal behind them and move on are true, why is Schiff making this his central issue?

The Democrats would like to paint a picture of an overzealous, right-wing extremist with a political vendetta against the president, but in reality what you saw during the impeachment trial was a dedicated prosecutor passionately arguing his case. A man who put 110% of himself into his job.

PATRICK CREAMER

Hollywood

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Rogan said, “Bill Clinton . . . wants to crush me and throw me out of Congress as part of his personal crusade of revenge.” What Clinton wants is not important, Jim. What your constituents want is.

You painted yourself as a caring, moderate family man, then smeared Barry Gordon with mud in the final days of the last election. You told us your moderate views on the issues, then voted the radical right party line. You told us that you were conflicted about pursuing impeachment and then sold your soul and our vote to the devil of your political ambition. Clinton may or may not want revenge against you. But your constituents most certainly will throw you out of Congress.

EDMUND LUPINSKI

Glendale

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The only thing Rogan did while trying to impeach Clinton is talk himself out of a job.

RAYMOND E. McKOWN

Los Angeles

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I am a nonpartisan, swing voter living in Rogan’s district--just the perfect target for the campaign millions already collected by both the Republican and Democratic sides. Before he became the poster boy for the right wing, I liked Rogan and voted for him twice, though I didn’t always agree with his politics. But now the Democrats and Republicans have turned this local election into a symbolic standoff. So for me when I vote it will be a difficult choice--Libertarian or Peace and Freedom?

STEVE MILLS

Glendale