I just read the editorial by Arnold York and I am disturbed by the intemperate charges Mr. York makes against Ozzie Silna. I am not one of the so-called “suckers” that have made a major commitment to the Malibu Coastal Land Conservancy. However, I am impressed with Mr. Silna’s selfless promotion of the public interest in Malibu and I might be convinced to contribute if Mr. York’s mean-spirited character assassination has not already killed the deal.
Contrary to Mr. York’s accusation that Mr. Silna may have misrepresented the use of contributions to the “suckers,” a commitment to the MCLC was solicited from me with the understanding that the MCLC would contribute $500,000 of the funds collected to the purchase of the Chili Cook-Off site and the remaining funds collected would be used to acquire additional land adjoining the Chili Cook-off site in the Civic Center area for the expansion of the proposed wetland park.
Mr. Silna made available for my perusal numerous scientific studies conducted by environmental and state agencies, which support the goals of the MCLC. I am certain that these studies would be available to Mr. York as well and I suggest he study them before his name-calling frightens away any more potential contributors.
Ronald E. Stackler