Reagan State Building

As vice president of the Los Angeles State Building authority, the three-person commission responsible for the construction of the Ronald Reagan State Office Building, I must take exception to the architectural review written by Leon Whiteson (“Reaganomics on Spring Street,” May 12).

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” but I believe Whiteson has committed a terrible disservice to those of us who have worked so hard--and successfully--to make the building a beautiful representation of our state and a wonderful place in which to work.

Whiteson fails to note that it is the first major state building in the past generation to be completed on time and within its budget. Nor does he mention that we taxpayers will save over $100 million in leasing costs during the life of the authority bonds.

I am also disappointed that Whiteson commented that the building is “already dubbed Fort Ronnie by some of its prospective occupants.” The public employees I have spoken to speak rather highly of the building’s beauty and openness, and do so with great pride.

Certainly, every individual is entitled to his or her own opinions, but I am confident that most observers will conclude that the Ronald Reagan State Office Building is one of the most spectacular state-owned office buildings anywhere in the United States.

JERRY B. EPSTEIN