Development

I would like to thank The Times for Daniel Weintraub’s article on state Sen. Jim Ellis’ (R-San Diego) bill to grant automatic six-month building permit extensions to developers adversely affected by growth-limiting laws (Part I, Aug. 24).

It is now manifestly clear (if it wasn’t already) that the building industry’s statements to the effect that it is a benevolent group intensely concerned with working in concert with the local population to create jobs and beautify the community are no more than public relations at best, or disinformation at worst. This attempt to bypass local politics altogether by introducing a bill at the state level indicates a total contempt for those most affected by the industry’s product; the obvious implication is that local citizens are regarded merely as occasionally irritating obstacles by the multibillion dollar national firms composing the Building Industry Assn., which sponsored Ellis’ bill.

It is also a good illustration of the pathetic eagerness with which our supposed-representatives are willing to spread-eagle themselves to anyone with tremendous amounts of money. It ought to be abundantly clear to Jim Ellis and everyone else in San Diego County that the bulk of the population feels the building industry is out of control; nevertheless, politicians such as Ellis don’t hesitate to work against the wishes of their constituencies if a major contributor requests it. Anyone who feels that campaign financing reform is not necessary should remember this incident and the many similar ones which we see every week or two.

I urge the state Senate and the governor to respect the right of local governments to handle local issues and stop Ellis’ legislation in its tracks.

RANDALL SMITH

La Jolla