Secession

Re “Time for Constructive Reform,” Oct. 10.

Contrary to the impression conveyed in The Times editorial, the local citizen leaders of Valley VOTE [Voters Organized Toward Empowerment] desire nothing other than a timely and careful study by the Local Agency Formation Commission. An issue of the importance of Valley self-determination deserves nothing less than a responsible analysis.

While a half-decade delay may not mean much to the downtown elites, it makes a big difference to residents of the San Fernando Valley. It means a half-decade delay for elderly residents waiting to be safe in their homes, for young people waiting to play in clean parks, for small-business owners waiting to expand and create more and better-paying jobs.

Patience is a virtue but so is progress. The 202,000 citizens who signed the petition calling for a study of Valley independence are not trying to take a sledgehammer to a great city. They’re crying out for safe streets, greater economic opportunity for all, a tax rate as low as that in surrounding cities, greater help for the Valley’s struggling residents and a chance to gain control over their own local services. For all that and more, they’ve waited long enough. Five more years of bureaucratic thumb twiddling is too long to wait for Valley citizens who want a chance to vote for a better life.

JEFF BRAIN

President, Valley VOTE

Sherman Oaks