Valley Secession: New Broom Sweeps Clean
The Times’ March 9 editorial “Secession, Enron-Style” raises unsubstantiated doubts about what has been an open and public financial review process. To equate the work done by the consultants, Public Financial Management of Newport Beach, to the behind-the-scenes dishonesty of Enron executives and Andersen auditors is irresponsible. The Local Agency Formation Commission has held 87 public meetings throughout Los Angeles to discuss, among other things, the financial feasibility of the three proposed independent cities in the harbor area, Hollywood and the Valley. I am unaware of any comparable public meetings held by Enron or its auditors to discuss the accounting methodology. There have been no allegations of misconduct by anyone connected to the LAFCO process.
It is irresponsible for The Times to smear LAFCO and its consultants--and the process of independence being pursued by communities with legitimate grievances against how the city is being run--without stating a factual basis for the claim. We welcome the California state controller’s audit.
Jeff Brain
President, Valley VOTE
Sherman Oaks
*
I do hope that the new Valley city will do a better job keeping the streets swept than what we see now (“Report Bolsters Bid to Secede,” March 7). When I first moved into the Valley, my street was swept each week. To my knowledge, the city has done it only once so far this year, so I have had to assume the job of sweeping in front of my own home. Will someone please tell me again why I pay taxes?
Arline George
Reseda
*
In the search for a name for a Valley city, how about Victory City? We’ve got Victory Boulevard, and it would signify that secession was a victory.
Alice Brill
Sylmar
*
I love L.A.! It is one of the most diverse cities in the world, from the mountains to the ocean, from Topanga to the Alameda Corridor and everything in between. It is sad to think that some want to leave because they don’t think they are getting enough bang for their buck. L.A. is a great place for what it is, and the Valley and Hollywood are a big part of it.
Selby Jessup
Los Angeles