Agran Supporters’ Reaction Mixed on Article

Your recent article regarding Irvine Councilman Larry Agran coming to the mayor’s job was appropriately titled (“Irvine’s Next Mayor Comes With High Voltage,” Oct. 10). He did in fact “jump-start” the City Council and the community in the fight against the airport. Six years ago when I became involved with Larry’s organization, Project 99, I immediately solicited my association’s board of directors to begin an anti-airport campaign.

I was told that the issue was a political one and they could not become involved. Larry never gave in to this defeatist attitude and fought the pro-airport coalition at every turn. Without his endless efforts (and being one of the drafters of Measure F), cargo planes would be flying over our heads at this moment.

Yes, it was his “aggressive style,” if you will, that made the difference. He is a man of conviction who is not afraid of confronting the issues head-on. He has a great integrity and tenacity when it comes to serving the people of Irvine. I am appalled at the political morass that our City Council has become in trying to smear Agran and distort his record. My husband’s father, who came from England, had a favorite expression: “Kids throw snowballs at the men with tallest hats.” Keep our hat on, Larry!

LUCIELLE WALKER

Irvine

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What was the motivation behind the recent article in The Times that unjustly attacked Agran? Instead of seeking a variety of opinions, the reporter chose to interview six known detractors of Agran and only one supporter.

My husband and I have lived in Irvine since 1968 and have always been active in our community.

Agran’s record as a member of the City Council, including three terms as mayor, has been outstanding. Ten thousand acres of open space--hillsides, canyons, wetlands--have been preserved forever through his leadership.

Pay equity, services for seniors, support for quality child care and early childhood education have all been realized through Agran’s efforts. Most recently, he has been one of the strongest and most creative and effective voices against the proposed airport at El Toro.

Furthermore, when he served as mayor, he was always civil and gentlemanly, treating his colleagues and all Irvine citizens with courtesy and compassion.

A graduate of UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School, Agran and his wife, the distinguished pediatrician Dr. Phyllis Agran, and their son, attorney Kenny Agran, have been role models for many families in Irvine, a city that is dedicated to the well-being of all its families, including those headed by a single parent.

The fact that Agran is running unopposed for mayor is proof positive that he has widespread support among the majority of Irvine’s citizens. He is not being challenged because there is no other person in the political arena today who can meet the challenges of the office as well as Agran!

VIVIAN HALL

Founding Member

Women for Orange County

Irvine