Hahn Is Wrong to Call for Movie Incentives

Re “Mayor Proposes Incentives for Filming,” March 18: Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn has proposed using $15 million of public funds as a gift to the movie industry to keep film production in the city.

This is the same mayor who has not kept his promise to fix potholes and other street damage.

According to other reports, the city does not have the resources to repair rain-damaged streets in a timely manner. So instead of fixing the streets, the mayor proposes encouraging film crews to block and disrupt other streets.

Does the local movie revenue offset the loss in other businesses because of traffic congestion? This certainly sounds like a last-ditch political grab.

Patrick Morgan

Los Angeles

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This is a desperate act by a desperate man. His priority is clear. Priority No. 1 is his own reelection. The best interests of the people and the city are somewhere down the list.

The movie studios’ litany about runaway production is a lie. They are going to continue to film in Los Angeles. They are for the most part based here. It is convenient and relatively cheap for them to film here. The industry is certainly making plenty of money.

The idea of paying wealthy private companies with public funds is so absurd it defies description. This is especially true if we are considering paying them to be a public nuisance.

For most people living in Los Angeles, television and movie productions where we live, work, shop or play are an enormous inconvenience and hassle.

Mayor Hahn has got it wrong. If anything, production companies ought to be paying the people of Los Angeles for the inconvenience they create.

Lawrence Fluharty

Eagle Rock