City Charter Timetable

Of all the baloney in city government, this is the thickest slice yet (“Mayor Upset Over Proposed Charter Start Date,” Jan. 29)! Two years is too much time for a new city charter to sit and collect dust. Would these commissioners buy a new car and then let it sit in the garage for two years before driving it? No. So why are they telling us--the voters--to vote for a new city charter this year and then wait two more years before it will be implemented?

PHILIP KOSS

Los Angeles

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Both the elected and appointed charter reform commissions are in need of a reality check. Accountability by city government was an original goal. The timeline is unreal. General managers come and go, whether it’s termination or retirement. The commissions have focused so much on so little. The framework for establishing advisory neighborhood councils doesn’t even mention funding or the fact that we will want accountability from management at these meetings.

RICHARD DELGADO

Montecito Heights

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Anyone who still believes that the mayor should have the authority to hire and fire the city’s general managers should read The Times’ report (Jan. 29) on the resignation of City Treasurer J. Paul Brownridge. His description of pressures placed on managers by the mayor’s staff is consistent with those voiced by departing managers during Richard Riordan’s term. No mayor, least of all this one, should have that authority.

MAX W. STRAUSS

Los Angeles