Public Distrust

It is shocking and unconscionable--if not outright criminal--that so much public business is conducted by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors behind closed doors, away from public scrutiny. To further read in The Times that the supervisors defend this process as being efficient is outrageous (“Supervisors’ Decisions Made Mostly Behind Closed Doors,” March 26). By that logic, we should live under the most efficient system of all--a dictatorship run by an inner circle or committee.

These people handle a budget larger than that of a small state, and should conduct all business pertaining to the county budget in public, in the spirit of democracy, even if it means they work a little harder for their exorbitant salaries.

Michael L. Stempel

West Hollywood