Perks, Pitfalls of Public Service

Lately The Times has been carrying articles placing Disneyland and the city of Anaheim in a bad light. Granted, each is entitled to an opinion. I would like to add mine.

From 1962 until 1974, I served on the Anaheim City Council, the last four years as mayor. During those years, I was involved with city matters associated with Disneyland. Not once was there ever any hint of pressure, or aggression, on the part of Disneyland personnel. Rather, they discussed their problems, or plans, including the use of oral visual presentations, and invited comments. The appropriate city staff studied the matter and made a recommendation to the council for final action.

It is my considered opinion that no entity located in Anaheim has proven to be such an asset to the Anaheim community as has Disneyland. I am further convinced that hardly a city exists that would not trade places with Anaheim and its Disneyland, especially when one considers that Anaheim Stadium and the Anaheim Convention Center were built as a direct result of the existence of Disneyland.

Finally, may I suggest that the news media invoke the Freedom of Information privilege and conduct some investigative reporting. Please report, if since 1953 any Anaheim City Council person, in relation to Disneyland matters, has ever cast a vote that proved detrimental to the best interests of the people of Anaheim. Be assured it has never occurred.

JACK C. DUTTON, Anaheim