Disneyland as Good Citizen, Neighbor

Recent articles in The Times concerning Disneyland’s association and relationship to the Anaheim City Council have been very disturbing to me personally because for 24 years as Disneyland’s community affairs manager, my responsibilities included governmental affairs. In that capacity it was my privilege to interface with government officials at city, county, state and federal levels.

Since Anaheim is known as the home of Disneyland, it is important that positive public relations be maintained with all facets of the community. Our thrust was always one of support and commitment to doing what was best for the citizens of Anaheim, our county, state and country.

In addition to many other community-oriented programs, Disneyland has had a policy to support nonprofit organizations in their fund-raising efforts by offering complimentary tickets as a contribution; to assist our government’s effort in promoting international friendship and goodwill by providing complimentary tickets to those foreign visitors that come to the United States as guests of our country; and to assist our Anaheim officials with the many requests they receive from national and international governmental sources. These complimentary tickets were never meant to be a tool for influence.

During these years, thousands of complimentary tickets have been issued. They reflect Disneyland’s desire to always be a good citizen and a good neighbor. I can assure you that I am proud of my past association with Disneyland and am thankful for the many years I spent at the Magic Kingdom.

MARY BONINO JONES

Anaheim