State Controller

There you go again. The Times had outdone itself. In endorsing Kathleen Connell for state controller (Oct. 19), The Times has proven once again that it will always endorse big-government liberals--much to taxpayers’ chagrin. Connell established an impressive record of wasting taxpayers’ money when she bankrupted Los Angeles’ homeowners’ maintenance effort to the tune of almost $9 million. Now, Connell thinks this failure qualifies her to be controller--which is the constitutionally designated taxpayers’ watchdog.

The Times has blown a perfect opportunity to endorse Tom McClintock, who has earned a ballot designation of “taxpayers’ advocate.” McClintock is just the remedy for the bloated state budget. He has promised to use the controller’s constitutionally mandated authority to cut waste at all levels of state government. McClintock will put control back into the controller’s office.

BRUCE E. PEOTTER

Irvine

Re “Stinginess Proves Too Much for Candidate McClintock’s ‘Skinflint’ Ads,” Oct. 20: No, they don’t pretend to be heavy on issues, but McClintock’s radio ads are delightful little gems of good humor and good taste--well, good humor, anyway. And in a year of political filth, that’s enough to earn my gratitude and my vote.

PHILIP BLACKMARR

Pasadena