AQMD’s Wedaa Is a ‘Breath of Fresh Air’
Give Hank a break! Orange County may shoot itself in the foot if it tries to remove Hank Wedaa as chairman of the South Coast AQMD (“Bill Puts AQMD Chief Under 2nd Round of Fire,” March 28). He is the first person (in 20 years) from Orange County to really give meaningful representation to this county.
Since Hank has been chairman, the AQMD has cut the time it takes to get an air permit by 50%, sent inspectors to “charm school” to deal with businesses and begun a small-business assistance program. I know firsthand that his open-door policy for businessmen with air quality problems works.
If you don’t want to give him credit for these programs under his leadership for the last few years, then don’t be so quick to fault him with all of the ills of the AQMD for the past 20.
Even though I am an ardent opponent of unfair regulations, I feel Hank is a breath of fresh air and as a dedicated public servant deserves better treatment from Orange County.
ED LAIRD
Chairman, Small Business Coalition
Huntington Beach
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