EDITORIAL CAREFUL WHO WE CAST.

Re ``Casting call'' (Editorial, Aug. 1):

It is news to me that former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan (sometimes Republican) is considered the trusted leader of the people of California to replace Gray Davis as governor. I remember when as mayor, it was his idea to host the most recent Democratic National Convention here in Los Angeles. Did our fair city receive any profit from that venture? No.

He was even rejected by the California State Republican Party to become the chosen candidate to run against Gray Davis in the last election. As voters, let's be very careful about lending our support to someone who acts and speaks as a Republican, but winks in the direction of the tax-and-spend philosophy of the Democratic party.

- Shirley Minser

Eagle Rock

Riordan for supervisor

What is going on with the Board of Supervisors? Consistently, there are three of the five members that are posturing to take more and more of the taxpayers' money. They refuse to negotiate with the Sheriff's Department on a new contract, yet another deputy just got killed protecting their constituents. I think Richard Riordan should consider a bid for county supervisor instead of governor. The voters in L.A. County must find a candidate that can shift the power of the board. I think Riordan is the man.

- Brian Jones 

Rancho Vista

Down and dirty

Republican money has forced a recall of Gov. Gray Davis, citing a $38 billion California state debt. This, in the world's fifth-largest economy, is nothing compared to a national debt of $450 billion, with millions unemployed across the nation and a 3-year-old national recession still gripping every state in the nation by the throat, yet, no one is calling for President Bush's head?

This recall is down-and-dirty politics, trying to take an office they couldn't win on the up and up. If by the confusion being created in this recall, uninformed voters put Gov. Davis out of office, I along with others will cast our votes for Larry Flynt and give Republicans something to really cry about.

- Philip Wilt

Van Nuys

California leaving

Re ``More leave California than arrive from other states'' (Aug 6):

No one should be surprised at the fact that more people are leaving California than moving here, with the cost of living, the overcrowding, the lack of jobs, corrupt politicians, etc.

When my husband retires in three years, we plan on leaving, and so do many of our longtime friends. At this rate, California will be unable to support any of its ``programs'' because there won't be any taxes to collect.

- Toni O'Brien

North Hills

Too many consultants

The state of California and the County of Los Angeles employ consultants like people eat potato chips: ``Bet you can't just eat one.''

The only consultant they need to hire is a financial consultant to get their runaway spending habits back into line with their available funds.

- Sherry Behrle

Tujunga

Save sirens and dollars

Re ``Terror-alert sirens?'' (Aug. 6):

It's suggested that new, expensive systems be developed to contact citizens by telephone, pager, cell phone and Internet in the event of terror or natural emergency. How about all the people who won't be able to receive these new media at any particular time?

We have a system of perfectly good air raid sirens throughout the area. How about saving the millions of dollars needed for this ``new alert system'' and just buy a few feet of wire, reconnect and oil the sirens. Why more? I guarantee that every citizen will run to the nearest radio or TV for instructions if the siren sounds.

- Charles L. Murray

Chatsworth

Prescription for fraud

Re ``Davis' ID check'' (Editorial, Aug. 5):

I am astounded at your support for the idea of granting driver's licenses to illegal aliens. Even with your caveat of heavy penalties for driving without a license or insurance, you're talking about people who are already breaking the law by just being here.

There are plenty of legal residents and citizens with driver's licenses running around on the road without insurance. I don't see any result other than to make an already bad situation worse by essentially granting quasi- legal status to people who are here illegally. Worse yet, couple this with the Democrats' much-loved idea of a ``motor-voter'' law and you have a prescription for massive election fraud. On this one, you're way out in left field, literally.

- Brian Baker 

Saugus

In context

The Your Opinion letters labeling our legislators scoundrels, etc., worthy of tar and feathers, is perhaps typical of the complaints from your readers concerning our public officials. Do these readers know any place on this globe which is a better place to live, or where it is safer to advocate tarring and feathering government officials?

Considering that candidates for office have to beg for money to conduct campaigns, then receive such abuse, and become the target of every nut running around with a gun, we are lucky that anyone would want to undertake the difficult task of running our government.

- Leonard Sacks

Granada Hills

Ethical common sense

Re ``Lobbyists need tighter rein in L.A.'' (Viewpoint, Aug. 3):

Whatever happened to ethical common sense in business? The rules are pretty simple and very easy to understand. If you wouldn't like your family, clients or customers to read about it on the front pages of the national and international press or hear about it on cable and network news, don't do it.

Avoid the appearance of conflict of interest, for it fosters a public perception of dishonesty at worst and sharp practice at best. You cannot serve two masters. No matter what your lawyers say, the public's perception of you is its reality and therefore that of the marketplace. It takes a long, long time and a lot of effort to change it. Lobbyists take note: These will work if they are used every day.

- Walt Meares

Burbank

Not needed trash barrels

So the city is replacing all of our trash barrels. Did it ever occur to our public representatives that perhaps many or most of these are in perfect shape? Mine are. Yet, a few days ago they were picked up and now there are three new ones - but I can't tell the difference.

What a terrible waste of our limited dollars. Is there someone on the City Council whose friends or relatives are selling these trash barrels?

- Micki Bratman

Sherman Oaks

A few good judges

Re ``Freed suspect now wanted in killing'' (July 25):

Someone needs to come to the defense of those judges that are being trashed by District Attorney Steve Cooley. When someone is arrested, irrespective of being a gang member, they are arraigned in 48 hours, period, no exceptions.

It is refreshing that we have a few good judges that respect the rule of the law, unlike Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia-type mutts that relegated the Constitution to the trash can. Don't buy the district attorney's mantra about the system being lenient, the life sentence for ``kissing toes,'' stealing cookies a la three strikes, or the 122-year Luster sentence still makes this system a disgrace - not these three judges.

- Ron Nicoll

Glendale

Close the golden door

California's economy is a disaster also due to overburdening immigration. After 9-11, our borders were closed so tight that an ant could not get in. While legal and illegal immigrants may contribute somewhat to our economy, it is not a fraction of what this state spends on the medical, and especially births.

America's principle and the poem written by Emma Lazarus for the Statue of Liberty says, ``Lift Thy Lamp Beside the Golden Door.'' In order for California and the remainder of the United States to recover, this Golden Door needs to be sealed shut and bolted from the inside.

- Marion Winkler 

Sherman Oaks