MTA Watchdogs

* As someone who has attended nearly all MTA board meetings during the past five years, I wish to suggest watchdog instead of gadfly is the correct term for we who try to hold officials accountable for their decisions (“Swatting at Gadflies,” Aug. 20).

We at least prevent them from being able to duck responsibility for screw-ups by claiming, “No one told us, we didn’t know.” Squelching speakers with time limits is inexcusable. And paraphrasing Harry Truman, anyone who can’t stand the heat of criticism shouldn’t be in politics!

DANA GABBARD, President

So. Calif. Transit Advocates

Los Angeles