Valley Secession

Jeff Brain, president of Valley VOTE, in his interview with Times editor Bob Rector, seemed to raise more questions than he answered.

Brain called for an independent police department yet admitted that he was happy with the present LAPD. He would staff that activity with “volunteers.” Potluck? What if there were no such volunteers with the proper quality and supervision levels? Might not LAPD Chief [Bernard] Parks insist on retaining his best officers? I know I would if I were in his place. Same pay scales as the city’s? If so, what savings? If not, what quality?

Brain’s plan originally called for a part-time city council. His point was that they would be more available to handle constituent complaints. He then withdrew that option because it was too controversial at this time. Apparently Brain feels that such messy details could best be worked out after the divorce--that is, after the secession was put to and passed by the voters.

Have the financial “angels” that are financing this scheme been identified? And if not, why not? Are their motives entirely altruistic?

Such a question as permanent and basic as breaking up the city of Los Angeles should not be financed by faceless, self-interested benefactors, and / or in smoke-filled rooms.

I do not doubt that the voters of our fair city will make the proper choice if first given the salient facts.

LOUIS ROBINS

Van Nuys