Since there appears to be a budget...

Since there appears to be a budget crisis everywhere, I suggest a new political arrangement be created here in Glendale. It could be used as a pilot program for other cities, counties, states and especially the federal government in Washington, D.C.

Since government in the city of Glendale for years appears to have been managed by developers and corporate chief executives behind closed doors, let’s have them, at their expense, operate upfront as the City Council and do away with the present set up.

Taxpayer money exceeding a quarter-million dollars, and maybe more, could be saved annually. Over time, the other governments mentioned above could institute similar programs, thus saving a collective hundreds of millions of dollars, perhaps billions.

And basically nothing would really change from what transpires at present, except perhaps a few thousands trees, shrubs, streams, habitat for wildlife, as well as clean water — but who really cares about those things, anyway?

Dick Seeley

Glendale

Shoe Fantasy is a small, family-owned store. We have been at our present location for more than 13 years, putting our best efforts into helping our community.

Aside of helping our local charities and schools, this year we have partnered with Soles4Souls to help collect new and gently worn shoes for the victims of the Haitian earthquake, and we have asked our customers to donate shoes in good condition. In return, they would receive a discount on their purchases.

We would like to acknowledge our costumers’ efforts to help the community of Haiti by letting them know what a big contribution they helped us make. A contribution of more than 500 pairs of shoes was made by our caring costumers.

We are still seeking additional shoe donations from the community, so please feel free to contact us.

Lily Lahijainiha

Montrose

Editor’s note: Lahijainiha is the owner of Shoe Fantasy.