Assessor’s Introduction

I found the June 26 editorial (“He Was Kind of Flabbergasted”) regarding Kenneth P. Hahn’s introduction at the 1991 Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade missed an important point. County Assessor Kenneth P. Hahn is an outstanding county assessor who is openly gay, a hero and a role model.

Some gay or lesbian young person, who is three to six times more likely to commit suicide because of the “irrational anti-homosexual feelings” that remain, will see that someone can be openly gay and also achieve success. Thus, moving one step further to a day when “irrational anti-homosexual feelings” have been wiped out.

The issue as you see it is whether or not the assessor should have been consulted on how he was going to be introduced. As I see it, the issue does not exist. An openly gay elected official was appropriately lauded at a pride parade promoting self-esteem in a society where irrational hatred seems to be prevailing.

DAVID M. SMITH

Director of Public Information

Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian

Community Services Center