Holden Defends His Record in Koreatown
Your May 30 editorial, “Holden’s Outstretched Palm,” and the May 26 article that prompted it, “Councilman Cleared Way for Koreatown Nightspots,” were inaccurate and misleading about me and my son, Chris Holden. “Koreatown Firms Aid Chris Holden” (April 1, 1999) was reprinted by my son’s opponent in the race for mayor of Pasadena and mailed out to the voters, which affected the outcome of the election. For that reason, I am encouraging my son not to enter the upcoming race in Pasadena. My family has already taken enough hits.
The timing of your editorial is curious. It attempted to cast a shadow on who might succeed me. Thus far I haven’t made a choice.
It is important for your readers to know that the state Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control issues liquor licenses--not the city or me. In Koreatown, if there are “twice as many liquor establishments relative to population as called for in state guidelines,” it indicates a problem at the ABC board. Regarding campaign contributions, where all this money was supposed to have changed hands: My votes are not based on campaign contributions; check the record.
Finally, we live in a multicultural city, and it is the custom in Korea to sell liquor by the bottle in restaurants. I am opposed to this, but it has been approved by the ABC board. Why haven’t you questioned the number of liquor licenses in Hollywood or the proposed downtown entertainment district? I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish with the Korean community.
Nate Holden
Los Angeles City Council
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