Seeking clarification of the word ‘public’

Regarding the Burbank Leader’s push to obtain merit-based bonus information per each city employee, let’s take a step back or away from those who would attack all things having to do with the “government,” including each and every government worker, to a calmer place where we merely criticize the government.

You do mention “union contracts,” but fail to explain that Burbank and its unions have obviously found some balance between “favoritism” and “merit” pay. Instead, you demand to publish the name of every worker who was outstanding enough to deserve a “bonus.”

Please read “New York Times v. Sullivan,” which explains that some “public” officials may be “men of fortitude, able to thrive in a hardy climate,” but the average union worker is not. You risk the appearance of using the term “public employee” like it’s a dirty word.

Is that what you mean? Are all “public” employees fair game?

You demand too much disclosure while the city, perhaps, claims too much privacy. Would you please leave the hard-working employees out of the melee of public smears and political gamesmanship? You should know that if you print a name, there are people who would be obnoxious toward that person and/or his/her family.

No electrician signed up to be the “public’s” stalking horse. His/her children don’t deserve to be harassed in school. For goodness sake, get some balance into the heated political atmosphere and stop contributing to the scapegoating of “public” employees.

Vincent Yanniello

Burbank

Ideas for next year’s Glendale float

While watching the Rose Parade, I was surprised to see the stark contrast between the floats from Glendale and Burbank (“Burbank Rose Parade float wins Founder’s Trophy,” Jan 1).

Burbank’s was festooned with local flavor that depicted the uniqueness of the city — from TV and movie production, to Bob’s Big Boy and the hot rod culture. I was a bit disappointed that it didn’t include an unemployment line — as I’m sure there would’ve been a substantial pool of stand-ins more than willing to participate — but I digress.

Glendale’s, on the other hand, was a bit confusing. While the volunteers should be praised for their hard work and selflessness, the concept of “Say Cheese” left me tilting my head at the TV like the RCA dog. While taking pictures of one another is certainly an interesting endeavor, I just couldn’t figure out what it had to do with Glendale — or anything else for that matter.

So, a couple of ideas to knock around before next Jan. 1. I’m thinking a high-speed turntable featuring two late-model German cars with paper dealer license plates blowing through stop signs — sending hapless pedestrians scattering. I’m sure some local dealers would be more than happy to supply the tags.

Nothing screams “Glendale” like automotive mayhem, and it would be a guaranteed attention grabber. But given the modest budget reflected in the “Cheese” float, perhaps this might be a bit ambitious. In which case something simple and seasonal might still get the hometown theme across — like Rick Caruso in a manger.

Just a thought.

Gary Durrett

Glendale