Mailbag

Plaintiffs should ease up on Disney

In your June 10 and 13 editions you ran articles regarding claims that the Walt Disney Co. supposedly contaminated groundwater (“Disney dumped illegally, suit says,” June 10).

The articles continued on regarding the opinions of the Burbank Rancho Homeowners Assn., the plaintiffs, who seek damages and penalties and are alleging violations by Disney despite a concurrent investigation by the state Department of Toxic Substances Control that revealed chromium levels in the area to be “below levels of concern” and within California environmental limits. It seems to me that the plaintiffs would do well to continue to communicate with Disney and try to work together for the good of the community rather than follow the path they are currently on.

It would be a sad day for our city and state if yet another fine company that employs thousands and contributes so much good to our community was given more reasons to leave our city, state or even country.

NANCY LAUDER

Burbank

Officials’ stance on DUIs is inconsistent

In the current City Council brouhaha concerning the removal of a police commissioner with a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol (“Police meetings go on hiatus,” June 13), I find it rather surprising no one has bothered asking the opinion of Burbank’s most eminently qualified, highest-profile expert on drunk driving, Dave Golonski’s good friend and City Council compatriot, Mayor Gary Bric.

Bric, a bartender and restaurateur by trade, has been cited for selling alcohol to intoxicated customers and has a DUI conviction of his own. Could a more perfect example of someone holding first-hand knowledge of drunk driving be found anywhere?

Oddly enough, I don’t recall ever hearing a single disparaging word from Golonski concerning Bric’s indiscretions when he ran for office in 2007, while he served as vice mayor with Golonski, or when Golonski helped elevate him to his current position.

Nor have any comments been forthcoming from Vice Mayor Anja Reinke concerning the issue.

If that isn’t enough, even the right and holy Burbank Police Officers Assn. had no qualms about endorsing a candidate who had a record of driving under the influence.