EDITORIAL: Why fork over more?

We have to agree with those who feel betrayed by Sen. Tom Harman and his insistence that Laguna Beach should pay more — a lot more — for the strip of land on which the Day Labor Site sits, or not buy it at all.

Harman’s threat to use his legislative powers to derail the city’s acquisition of the parcel is not making him many friends in Laguna Beach — at a time when he is running for reelection.

In a bit of convoluted thinking, Harman argues that city taxpayers will be “fleeced” if the city spends $18,000 to purchase the Caltrans right-of-way that has been declared surplus.

Harman evidently buys the argument propounded by anti-illegal immigration activists who claim that public funds should not be used to support a place for job-seekers to gather in lieu of hailing down prospective employers on streets and sidewalks.

This, despite a recent court ruling clearly upholding the use of said taxpayers’ money for this purpose as a “service” to the very taxpayers whose funds are being so used.

Harman further accuses city officials of “rigging” the parcel purchase price by announcing that the land will be zoned for open space, thus rendering it useless for commercial purposes. The fact that the north side of Laguna Canyon Road, where this parcel sits, is generally dedicated to open space, while the southern side is generally zoned light industrial or residential, apparently doesn’t persuade him.

Harman would evidently prefer that city taxpayers fork over around $1 million for the land — the minimum bid when Caltrans put it up for public auction months ago — than spend the official appraisal price of $18,000. Harman insists the state can’t afford to sell the plot for less, considering the red ink the government is bleeding.

So who’s trying to fleece who?