City Consolidation
The financial plight of the city of La Palma (Dec. 26) is indicative of similar problems now facing, or ultimately to face, small municipalities in the Southland.
There is a realistic, yet politically unpalatable, solution: consolidation. Starting with the police department and public works, there are myriad services that, when consolidated, would not only save money but also increase their efficiency. In the name of cooperation, some police services, such as radio communications, already function as partners.
The small contiguous cities of La Palma, Cypress, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach, for example, lend themselves to consolidation of services. Would a commission with representatives of those cities be the right place to start? It could study and recommend a feasible plan to gradually consolidate services and equipment.
Having lived in La Palma six years and knowing the ability of Orbrey Duke, now its mayor and formerly its police chief, I would hope his leadership might make such a commission possible.
BILL LYNDE
Cypress
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