I am writing to express my opposition to the proposal, as submitted by City Manager John Pietig, that a City Council sub-committee of two council members and three non-elected, non-residents be appointed to oversee the pending half-dozen development projects that, without question, will forever change the character of our community.
Over the years, the city has developed a review process that stands the test of time. One can argue that it’s not perfect, but it works because it affords the opportunity for public input in all aspects of the decision-making process. This is called “government in the sunshine,” and it is a concept that we dare not discard. A by-product of removing or lessening public input is to create a void in the process—a void that has the potential to be filled by forces whose allegiance is not to the greater good, but to the altar of revenue.
The potential impacts of these multi-million dollar projects are so huge, that it is essential that they be studied and appraised in such a way that the public is afforded the opportunity to provide input in every aspect of their development.
Randy Lewis, Laguna Beach
