The editorial about the problems in Salt Lake City's planning division argues that Mayor Ralph Becker's recent firings are a positive change in comparison to former Mayor Rocky Anderson's failed attempts ("A broken process: It's time to fix SLC planning division," Our View, April 10). Rocky hired and fired many directors, which was a large part of the problem. Becker is doing the same, and the community can look forward to continued problems and delays.

The Tribune's coverage of Becker's actions was superficial. Even the salacious City Weekly had more in-depth reporting. Becker cut off the heads and hands of the division. Currently, his senior adviser, Esther Hunter, runs the department. After firing the directors, Becker stripped powers from middle management and Hunter has also taken these responsibilities upon herself. The problem is that she has no substantial experience or education in planning, zoning and development.

When a struggling division, short on staff, loses its directors and managers, and assigns those responsibilities to someone who does not understand the substance or process, nothing effective can be accomplished.

Meredith Shaw

Salt Lake City