Richard Alatorre

I hope former Councilman Richard Alatorre was not hurt by the slap on the wrist given to him by our U.S. district judge (“Alatorre Formally Enters Guilty Plea on Income Tax Evasion,” April 10). How many less fortunate and less prominent citizens would love to have heard a sentence such as he received? In addition to which, he does not have to pay a fine because he lacks “the ability to pay.”

But let’s not forget his ability to earn big dollars. Surely the IRS is not letting him off the hook without paying back taxes and a penalty; however, this may be part of President Bush’s new tax cut.

BOB COSTELLO

Palm Desert

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Re “Affidavits Reveal Details of Alatorre Inquiry,” April 12: I hear a deafening conspiracy of silence from Los Angeles City Hall and the MTA.

JIM HEYNE

Lakewood