Letters to the editor

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision to endorse the recommendations of Legislative Analyst Elizabeth G. Hill is the type of action we need in a leader. He reconsidered his earlier position and is now coming to the table with an open mind.

We have not just a spending problem but a revenue problem, and the proposed cuts for education cannot stand. Yet already Republican leaders in the Legislature say votes will not be available for any plans to eliminate tax breaks. Please, we are so sick of the staying-the-course mentality. Republicans need to approach the problem with open minds and a willingness to make changes.

I take issue with Assembly Budget Committee Vice Chairman Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) saying that the public has been misled concerning these tax loopholes. I understand completely that closing some loopholes will affect me as a taxpayer -- and I don't own a yacht either.

Diane Harrison

Laguna Niguel



Real Republicans will stand up and declare that educating our children is more important than protecting their playthings, i.e. yachts, airplanes and luxury RVs. In the face of the unfunded mandate in No Child Left Behind, only a selfish juvenile would do otherwise.

Karen Reisdorf

San Clemente



The governor and the Legislature want to cut back on tax breaks so that everyone would be made to "chip in." OK, if that's the case, why not make public servants, including prison guards, give back some of the large pay raises they received in the past? Or make them work a week or two a year without pay. I'm not even counting the large pensions they receive, or the job security. I thought the public sector was supposed to get equal pay for the same job in the private sector. I think the public has surpassed the private in all categories.

Jim Mendelson

Playa del Rey

Housing and jobs in Los Angeles

Re "Growth plans upset neighbors," Feb. 28

The Valley Industry and Commerce Assn. is delighted with many of the projects being proposed for the east San Fernando Valley. This part of Los Angeles has still not recovered from the 1994 earthquake, and collectively these projects represent an opportunity to create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in new tax revenues -- something the city desperately needs.

It goes without saying that the city planning department and local officeholders will carefully scrutinize each project throughout the planning process. Perhaps not all of the projects will ultimately work, but, in the meantime, Valley leaders should continue to provide input to the developers and lawmakers. The goal should be to work together to create housing and jobs for our future as opposed to holding on to distant memories of the Valley's past. This is a dynamic time in the east Valley; we need to embrace it.

Brendan L. Huffman

Sherman Oaks

The writer is president and chief executive of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn.