Official time

Re “School board tardiness,” editorial, Oct. 28

If you can’t do something simple, why should I assume you can do something more challenging? If members of our school board, City Council and other city agencies are routinely not able to begin meetings on time, why should I assume they are capable of dealing with more substantive issues?

Chronic tardiness shows little discipline, a lack of leadership by chairpersons and a profound disrespect for presenters and observers.

Discipline, leadership and respect -- we could use much more of those qualities in our city government. When I say a meeting begins at 10 a.m., I don’t mean sometime today. And my attendees know that.

BOB GOTHAM

Los Angeles