L.A. Officials’ Overseas Travel

I must respond to your series of articles regarding the travel plans of the Port of Los Angeles. They have been inaccurate, based on press releases of two politicians who are seeking reelection.

In the last 15 years the Port of Los Angeles has grown from 14th to our nation’s largest and most successful port. We are the seventh largest port in the world. We now handle more than 2,300,000 containers a year, more than 850,000 cruise passengers per year (the largest terminal on the West Coast), the import and export of 66.7 million metric tons of goods. Our cargo value exceeds $57 billion. We are directly responsible for more than 650,000 jobs nationwide and for one out of every 32 jobs in Southern California. We are the strength in an otherwise faltering local economy.

We have developed an international marketing network with 12 offices throughout the world. International trade means international travel and a prudent policy is essential to continue to service our customers and expand WORLDPORT LA. At no time have we planned a 10-nation, 14-member tour as your headlines and articles indicate.

We must be doing something right--we are the nation’s most profitable port. This achievement did not just happen. Harbor commissioners and managers spent time and effort, both in Los Angeles and at overseas headquarter offices, to persuade companies to use our facilities. These companies could have directed their cargo to any port on the Pacific Coast. Our efforts made a difference.

RONALD S. LUSHING

President, Los Angeles Board

of Harbor Commissioners