Election musings.

While I greatly respect the thinking of your editor, Mark Lacter, I disagree with him on his commentary about voter apathy in the recent mayoral election ("Absent a Crisis, Voters Endorse Status Quo," March 14).

Lacter believes voters didn't respond because things are generally going well in our city and voters don't feel a compelling call. I differ, significantly. Voters know our city has enormous problems, not least of which is the persistent overspending by government officials.

We've all either witnessed the behavior firsthand, or heard about it from a friend, or possibly read about it in the newspaper. We're familiar with the telltale signs of lying, of blaming others for their situation, the inability to stop and the constant search for the next 'fix" or "hit." For some, the debate continues as to whether it is an illness or merely a lack of character.

Although it may sound as though I'm talking about a junkie, I'm actually talking about city government. Just like a junkie struggles with his addiction to drags, our politicians struggle with their own addiction, spending.

Voters no longer trust the "addicts" to stop. Frankly, I don't blame them.

Michael Levine

Los Angeles 

Mark Lacter seems to imply that it's really not important which candidate wins the mayoral run-off because so many of the city's problems are either intractable or simply beyond the power of that office to solve. He says, "whichever man wins, the city will keep going along as it has. Not great, not awful, but at least going."

I beg to differ! Mediocrity is unacceptable in a city that claims greatness. Accepting the inevitability of the status quo is a recipe for stagnation. The trash can of history is replete with great civilizations that failed to grasp this fact.

Much has been made of Mayor James Hahn's lack of charisma. That's really not the point. What he is unable to project is a sense of purpose and enthusiasm for this city and its future. The mayor has an incredible platform to set both the vision and the agenda for Los Angeles, to project the image of our city as a dynamic, forward thinking, exciting place to live, work and play. He's our ambassador-at-large to the nation and the world and when he walks into a room people should take notice. Excusing an elected official's performance by saying it doesn't matter because Los Angeles has a weak mayoral form of government is simply copping a plea.

Clive Hoffman

Los Angeles