Letters to Voices : More on Santa Anita

Re: Santa Anita Expansion (Gripe Feb. 3 and Letters Feb. 10): How can Arcadia, a city of comfortable homes and well-to-do residents, be facing insolvency? And why is an entertainment complex similar to Citywalk at Universal City more attractive than a few more dollars a year in taxes?

Is it because well-to-do residents in comfortable homes tend to be conservative Republicans? As conservative Republicans love to loudly proclaim, they become nearly apoplectic at the idea of paying taxes.

I am in the highest possible tax bracket and I don’t love handing over half my income to the government, but considering how fortunate I am to be successful, what a comfortable lifestyle I enjoy even after taxes and aware of the countless tangible and intangible benefits I derive from a stable and healthy community, I am willing to pay. It’s called quality of life, and it extends beyond the bounds of one’s own property. Here in Arcadia, there are beautiful parks, quiet neighborhoods, excellent police and fire services, good roads, and fine public schools. In effect, a haven from the congestion and hubbub of places like Los Angeles or Universal City.

If the complex is built, the same people who championed it will probably be moving away from Arcadia in droves or complaining bitterly about the noise and traffic that have ruined their fair city.

SHELDON BULL

Arcadia