Riordan and Schools

I think we can all agree that Los Angeles has many challenges and problems. My list of real problems would include a critical lack of affordable housing, a failing hospital trauma system, miles of streets in dire need of repair, additional miles of unpaved alleys, trash dumped and left on street corners and in empty lots, explosions of graffiti and tagging and a city payroll that rewards managers beyond any reasonable scale. Oh, and there’s that ongoing Police Department deal.

So would someone please tell me why Mayor Richard Riordan thinks the schools are where he should spend his time and energy (Feb. 12-14)? I’ve got a school board; how the hell do I get a mayor?

DONALD SWEETNAM

North Hollywood

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Re “Critics of Riordan’s Schools Involvement See Ulterior Motive,” Feb. 12: I appreciate Riordan’s concern with what is going on within the Los Angeles Unified School District. If he wants to have the greatest impact possible, I suggest that he apply for a classroom position--many subject and grade levels are open--and become a certificated teacher. The students will no doubt benefit from his years of business and political experience, and he will learn firsthand exactly what the young citizens of Los Angeles both need and have to offer.

CAROL MAY

Los Angeles

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Riordan should be commended for his desire to improve the LAUSD. Teacher and principal accountability, parental involvement and corporate and neighborhood participation are all terrific ideas. His belief that he is looking for board members who are not “beholden” to him, who “think for themselves” or who are “independent” and “tough-minded,” however, is extremely puzzling, given that Riordan’s endorsement of board member Valerie Fields for reelection was contingent upon her making a choice on the teachers contract that was dictated by him. Let’s get real, Mr. Mayor!

BRADLEY GREER

Los Angeles

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While I applaud Riordan for his dedication to schools and education, his proposal that the mayor of L.A. appoint members of the LAUSD school board (Feb. 13) fails to take into account the numerous other cities, such as West Hollywood, that are also a part of the district. While I am certain Riordan means well, he is not elected by or accountable to the voters in West Hollywood and the other cities in Los Angeles County served by the LAUSD. West Hollywood will most certainly oppose any school reorganization proposal that disenfranchises our residents from electing LAUSD school board representatives directly.

JEFFREY PRANG, Mayor

West Hollywood