Was Portantino protecting developer friends?

After reading the Sept. 2 Glendale News-Press article, “Assemblymembers take divergent paths,” it was apparent the real reason Anthony Portantino opposed eliminating redevelopment funds: He was trying satisfy his wealthy developer supporters.

Redevelopment is the worst kind of corporate welfare. Redevelopment projects were anything but cost-effective and affordable. The price tag for these projects ran way beyond the costs to construct multi-unit housing on the free market (meaning no corporate welfare for development cronies). I surmise that Portantino wants to keep his developer buddies happy while he mulls his future after Sacramento.

Jason Lopez
Glendale