Richard Riordan’s old-boy style worked for him, but now it’s not working for LA
letters to the editor
April 26, 2023
About the publisher: Richard Riordan’s crowning achievement as mayor was saving the main branch of the Downtown LA Public Library, which now bears his name. I have nothing against or against his genuine humble concern for the good of most of Los Angeles. (“Former L.A. Mayor Riordan Battled Media, But Was Ultimately Honored,” Apr. 22)
But in essence, Riordan was not a leader of participatory democracy. He was an old school businessman who thought the best way to handle public policy problems was to convene a meeting of the Plutocrat Network to decide what to do without public participation and even against the wishes of the public. the public if necessary.
The library will stand the test of time in tribute to him, but let his established backroom political methodology die with him.
Peter Stephen Nicholas, Los Angeles
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About the publisher: Riordan was an innovator. In 1994, he founded the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative, a non-profit organization that engages underprivileged communities in building vibrant public spaces. I had the privilege of being a co-founder from 1994 to 2009.
Two things Riordan told me in particular stand out to me: “It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission,” which encouraged me to think outside the box; and “Thanks for making me look good,” which made me proud to be part of his team.
Joyce Perkins, Los Angeles
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About the editor: Reporter James Rainey’s article about Riordan’s complicated relationship with the media was, I thought, the only thing of value about the late mayor. Rather than damning the man with faint praise, Rainey really dug into the man’s character.
As a working-class revolutionary, I can say that Riordan’s policies were not my cup of tea. But I had to give him one point: While the Democrats are wasting our time pretending to side with the working people, but support capital every time, at least Riordan has been honest and honorable enough not to pretend to wouldn’t care about the working class.
We knew where he was. He made no secret of it.
Michael Weinert, Encino
Source: LA Times