SOUNDING OFF: Harman ignores labor views

The following letter was addressed to state Sen. Tom Harman:

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Dear Sen. Harman:

This week’s Coastline Pilot contained your “Opinion” article. It greatly disappoints me. I remember when you came to speak at one of the Laguna Canyon Conservancy monthly dinner meetings when you were running for your present office.

You seemed moderate and rational, and concerned about the issues of our town. I voted for you, as did many others at the meeting, which helped bring you to victory in a closely contested race. I regret my vote!

In retrospect, I see that you really don’t understand our community, or choose not to. Most of us who live in Laguna Beach (and I have lived here for 41 years) are a tolerant lot. We don’t subscribe to the views and tactics of the Minutemen and Eileen Garcia, who seems to be your advisor on the matter of the Day Labor Center.

Before the Day Labor Center was established, day workers would stand at corners on the Coast Highway looking for work. There was no regulation, no sanitary facilities and it was a catch-and-catch-can for these people who were looking for jobs. Citizens complained, and thus the day labor center was established by the Crosscultural Council with assistance from the city of Laguna Beach.

With the Day Labor Center, the process of hiring day workers is regulated (and you don’t have to be Latino to use their services), both the employee and employee rights are protected, sanitary facilities and access to food are supplied, as well as English lessons. It works! Why do we have this situation? It is because the federal government has not yet been able to establish a viable immigration policy concerning our borders. Thus, when the federal government (or state) fails to act, it is necessary for local government to do what is necessary for the benefit of the community. You should be able to understand this concept. Instead of attacking our day labor center why don’t you put your energy on working with your federal colleagues to bring about viable immigration reform?

This property is not suitable for commercial development. If you have looked at it, [this] should be apparent. Complaining about the sale price is a red herring. You, like many politicians, have joined the anti-immigration bandwagon and taken the easy way by attacking the workers and the day labor centers instead of the real culprit, thinking it will gain you support and voters. This won’t work in Laguna Beach, trust me.

ANNE FRANK lives in Laguna Beach.