Leadership on Power

* Re “Secretary of State Jones Seeks GOP Nomination to Face Davis in 2002,” March 27: Republican career politician Bill Jones, who is being forced to find a new taxpayer-supported job because of term limits, has announced that he will challenge Gov. Gray Davis in 2002. Attacking Davis on California’s energy crisis, Jones said, “When you procrastinate to the point where you become part of the problem, that’s exactly where we are today.”

Jones offered no solutions of his own and merely promised details later--after he procrastinates a bit, I guess. Jones did say he prefers a “private sector . . . workout model” as opposed to a state bailout to solve the energy crisis. Funny, but when it comes to his own career advancement, Jones is only too happy to reject the private sector for a state bailout.

SCOTT PHILLIPS

Norwalk

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Jones stated, “There’s a time to lead, to follow or get out of the way,” while criticizing Davis for procrastinating on resolving the industry-manufactured California energy shortage. When asked what his plan would be, he promised details later. That’s as good as any definition of procrastination in the dictionary. Looks like Jones is going to get out of the way before he starts.

BORIS BUZAN

Mission Viejo

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Most of California seems to be suffering the fruits of former Gov. Pete Wilson’s booby trap--thanks to energy deregulation. Are there ever any benefits to deregulation besides increased corporate profits and soaking the average citizen? Enlighten me.

JUNE CHASE

Los Angeles

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The best thing that could come out of the energy crisis is that it might kill Davis’ chances to be president. It’s always ominous for residents when their elected officials start using their positions to run for higher office--local concerns seem suddenly too darn parochial. If Davis would commit himself to being just the governor, he might locate some political courage within himself. And we would be much better off.

MICHAEL SIEVERTS

Santa Monica

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The energy deregulation debacle is a direct consequence of the short-sighted imposition by the voters of term limits. By forcing out good, qualified legislators after an arbitrarily set number of years in office, rather than voting out only the bad, we have given ourselves an inexperienced Legislature overly dependent on and influenced by lobbyists, who act solely for the benefit of their clients--the citizens of California be damned.

ROBERT J. SWITZER

West Hollywood