Can Officials and Developers Talk? Sure, Just Do It in Public

I recently appeared before the Planning Commission on a controversial zoning matter.

The issue was rather complicated with many subtleties so I sought Planning Commissioner Douglas Leavenworth’s counsel prior to the public hearing. Even though the issue was very important to 65 homeowners, it wasn’t a major item in the specific plan.

Nevertheless, Mr. Leavenworth graciously extended to me a two-hour conference in order to review the many aspects of this issue. Later, the matter was satisfactorily settled before the Planning Commission.

I am impressed with Commissioner Leavenworth’s sincerity, integrity, and his willingness to take extra time to fully understand the many issues on which he must make decisions. Needless to say, I was disappointed and distressed to read your editorial (Aug. 17) claiming Commissioner Leavenworth has an “attitude problem.”

Are we talking about the same planning commissioner--one who has an excellent reputation for serving Orange County diligently and honestly for many years?

How could such a person be defiant or insensitive to the responsibilities and public trust of his position?

I applaud The Times’ efforts to uncover and clean up the self-serving and cheating politicians or bureaucrats. However, our system works because of the honesty and integrity of the majority of the people in our political and bureaucratic structure who day in and day out carry on the responsibilities of their positions for the good of our community.

Commissioner Leavenworth is in the forefront of this group. We would indeed be the loser if he was replaced for a minor oversight which has now been corrected.

FRANK A. DUTRA

Capistrano Beach