Friday, June 19, 2009 | I agree with much of what Brigette Browning writes about the appointment of Lee Burdick as port commissioner. I strongly agree that that the hospitality industry in San Diego for years has exploited cheap labor and continues to do so. The Papa Manchester Hyatt is a prime example of that.
However, I do disagree with her when she speaks of Lorena Gonzales’ leadership. Labor needs to understand that packing council chambers with their members doesn’t work anymore. Supporting redevelopment projects like the UTC shopping center for the short-term gain of employment at the expense of a community already in traffic gridlock doesn’t work either as unions are viewed as greedy and self-centered.
Lorena is a product of Sacramento politics and she acts as if she were a Sacramento politician. I for one don’t want power brokers, whether they represent business interests or labor to run this city and I think many residents agree with me.