Politician weighs in on Reggie’s fate

In response to “Why Reggie Should Stay” [Oct. 4], I wanted to share some additional information about the conditions at Harbor Regional Park. Basically, this park and its lake are dirty, which is why I continue to believe that Reggie needs to be captured and relocated to the Los Angeles Zoo.

Lake Machado at Harbor Regional Park is essentially a runoff basin, meaning that a lot of the oil and trash that wash down our storm drains end up in the lake. Additionally, we have a history of botulism at the lake, which has killed numerous fish and ducks. While I am currently working to find the funds to clean it up, I am not comfortable leaving Reggie in this unhealthy environment. Veterinarians have told me in no uncertain terms that it could be harmful for Reggie to be eating the trash that is currently found in the lake.

In addition to concerns about Reggie’s health, I am concerned about his safety as well as the safety of visitors to the park. Reggie is used to people, and there is no telling what some of our park visitors might try to do to him if they are able to get close enough. And while alligator attacks may be rare, no one can predict how Reggie will behave, especially if he is sick or injured. In order to make sure everyone is safe, we need to keep the lake shore closed -- which is unfair to visitors who enjoy feeding the ducks or picnicking along the water.

Having Reggie at Harbor Regional Park has provided great publicity for our often forgotten park, but I still believe that it is best both for Reggie and for park visitors if we capture and relocate him to a safe and healthy home at the L.A. Zoo.

JANICE HAHN

Councilwoman

City of Los Angeles