Dear Burbank Community:

With free speech comes responsibility.....

Most folks who watch the Council meetings know that I have talked about affordable housing especially for seniors since I work with them. When Alfred Absoulaad attacked me for not being concerned about affordable housing, he stated items that were untrue. Even Dr. Gordon said one of the nights I spoke about affordable housing, "We have to preserve affordable housing." He was agreeing with me.

I am not against public transportation.It's needed. I only said it wouldn't work in all situations. For example, if you have to use your car for work, then you can't take public transportation. If you have to run a number of errands which are on opposite ends of the City and everywhere in-between, taking public transportation would make the shopping trips more difficult. This certainly doesn't mean I'm against public transportation.

For two years in a row I favorably commented on Burbank keeping the probation officer and splitting the cost with the County. I recently participated in Assemblymember Dario Frommer's Block party and represented the Alzheimer's Assn, Los Angeles Caregivers Resource Center and Circle of Care Leeza's Place at my own expense. If I was against community outreach of any kind, I wouldn't have participated in his Block Party, which was a Community Outreach event. Gut social programs? No way! I've even suggested that we extend our meals program to include family caregivers just as the meals program where I work does.

I don't always agree with David Gordon either, and I have at times agreed with Dave Golonski on some issues. I was on Bill Clinton's steering committee during his first run for the Presidency and I didn't always agree with what he said or did.

However, I agree with Eric Michael Cap that Alfred's statements are a sad reflection on Dave Golonski's personal appointee to the Charter Review Committee. It is also a negative reflection on the person who appointed him to the Charter Review Committee-a committee that has voted for sweeping changes,such as having a dividend of 50% (a tax) transferred from BWP to the general fund if certain criteria are met, if the voters approve the changes.

Art is subjective and not all people are going to love all pieces of art. Even Eric Hansen, Parks and Rec, said that during one meeting not too long ago.

You've heard my comments on Urban Outfitters when it first opened. Those comments had nothing to do with wanting to keep an empty store front. It had everying to do with social responsibility and two books that should not have been placed in arms reach of children.

Yes, Burbank has its problems. However, we are much better off than the City of Los Angeles. I work in North Hollywood and I can sure see the difference when I drive past Clybourn, the dividing line between Burbank and the City of Los Angeles.

Eden Rosen
A long time Burbank resident