To the Editor,

The Hines project at Bergamot is consistent with our city's strategy of directing growth to this station area, helps us meet our sustainability goals and prepares us for the future.  Transit oriented communities like this proposal are a key solution to our gridlock, allowing increasing numbers of people to live car-free and car-light lifestyles. 

Pam O'Connor has been a tireless leader in promoting this same vision in her work on our City Council as well as on Metro and SCAG's governing boards.

That the Hines project is consistent with these values indicates to me that our city's leaders have been effective in promoting this vision to those who want to build here. In this light, I find Councilmember O'Connor's acceptance of legal donations from Hines no more troubling than any candidate's acceptance of funding from people who share their views. 

I would be upset if she were to recuse herself from voting on the Hines project's future, as that would be a disservice to her life's work and a loss of wise counsel to our city.

Kent Strumpell
Santa Monica
Pico Neighborhood resident