‘DEAR RON’ LETTERS

I am sorry, but not only was I not amused by Ron Davis’ somewhat

flippant attitude, I was also chagrined that as an attorney, he has

apparently not read the state Constitution (“Going from an affluent to

effluent Huntington Beach,” Jan. 4)

Here’s the excerpt that he should get familiar with:

“Whenever the Legislature or any state agency mandates a new program

or higher level of service on any local government, the state shall

provide a subvention of funds to reimburse such local government for the

costs of such program or increased level of service, except that the

Legislature may, but need not, provide such subvention funds for the

following mandates:

(a) Legislative mandates requested by local agency affected;

(b) Legislation defining a new crime or changing an existing

definition of a crime; or

(c) Legislative mandates enacted prior to Jan. 1, 1975, or executive

orders or regulations initially implementing legislation enacted prior to

Jan. 1, 1975.”

Rather than talking about what Huntington Beach officials did not do

because, “raising fees or taxes is tough political business,” perhaps he

should have been more critical of our Huntington Beach officials for not

asking our Sacramento officials to do what they are mandated to do in our

Constitution?

But, it is always easier and more politically advantageous for a

political-type person like Davis to take it out on the local officials.

WES BANNISTER

Huntington Beach

* WES BANNISTER was recently reappointed as a member of the

Metropolitan Water District of Orange County Metropolitan Board. He is a

former Huntington Beach councilman.

Reader appreciate column’s topic

I laughed and applauded Ron Davis’ article. It is a serious situation

which I hope can be fixed.

Also, we appreciate his support for the Huntington Beach Police

Department.

My husband, Phil McCrea, retired from the department in 1990 after 25

years.

He was rangemaster and taught firearms at the Police Academy at

Goldenwest College for many years part time. It is truly sad the City

Council has not approved a new contract.

Keep up the good work.GAYLE McCREA

Huntington Beach

Don’t let Burlington dictate mall

I have enjoyed reading Ron Davis’ columns in the Independent mainly

because they make good sense and are right on target.

Now that we know Wards is closing its store in the Huntington Beach

mall, it makes less sense to let Burlington Coat Factory decide what kind

of mall the citizens of Huntington Beach will have. It is insanity to let

a third-rate facility dictate what an entire city should have for their

citizens.

How can we start a grass-roots movement against our weak City Council

to stand up for what is good for the city and the majority of Huntington

Beach residents?

Hope to hear more about this in your column. Thanks for your “watchdog

service” to the residents of Huntington Beach

WAYNE BUXTON

Huntington Beach