Competing Audits

I was deeply concerned by comments made by my former colleagues, City Council members Michael Feuer and Rita Walters, regarding my request for a state audit of the L.A. Fire Department’s use of helicopters (“Competing Copter Audit Upsets Council,” May 26).

Feuer stated that it was “dumb” for me to seek a state audit and that it duplicates the city study. He also threatened me with political payback for requesting the state audit. Walters asked why I would push for such an audit, since I just got elected and don’t have to run for office for another four years.

It is unfortunate that Feuer feels he needs to pay me back when all I am doing is trying to protect our firefighters and the victims they rescue. I fail to see what is dumb about saving lives. In the past 17 months, four people have died and several others have been injured in three accidents involving L.A. Fire Department helicopters. All of these accidents involved helicopters more than 20 years old. In addition, I am confused about Feuer’s concern about duplicative audits since the City Council asked for its own audit after my request for a state audit was approved. Walters also ignored the basic safety issues raised by my audit when she questioned my motives. Efforts to make our Fire Department the best it can be are the only goal. To make the audit an issue of politics instead of safety is inexcusable.

The Fire Department deserves the support of the entire city and the best and safest equipment available. If it had this, no audit of its helicopter fleet would be necessary.

STATE SEN. RICHARD ALARCON, 20th District