Solutions to Kotkin Dilemma

In his recent opinion piece (“Separate but Equal,” July 26), Joel Kotkin correctly pointed out the pitfalls facing the Valley if it gains independence. Becoming the sixth largest city in America instead of half of the second won’t give Valley residents the mid-sized government enjoyed by the citizens of Burbank, Glendale, etc. Joel has put his finger on the very problem that permeates all of sprawling Los Angeles disconnectivity. The problem could be solved if handfuls of communities, clustered together with much in common, were permitted to become semi-self-governing entities while remaining a part of the entire city, somewhat akin to states within a federal system.

Kotkin has jumped to what many of us in the Valley see as step two in the secession process dividing the newly created Valley city into several semi-autonomous boroughs or districts. Months ago during the charter debates I suggested that all of Los Angeles consider this idea. The Valley Industry and Commerce Association called this concept the “Fleming Plan” and urged the city to explore it. But the council, the mayor and the charter commissions summarily rejected the plan out of hand as too radical and creating too much government. Ask the citizens of the other 80-plus cities in the county if, with their lower tax burden and superior city services, they feel burdened by too much government.

Many of us feel Kotkin is absolutely right; that urban villages within sprawling cities like Los Angeles are the wave of the future. But for the Valley, it appears that urban villages could be created politically only through independent cityhood. Therefore, so be it.

DAVID W. FLEMING

Chairman

Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley