As fragmentary information from an ongoing audit of the Southeastern Economic Development Corp. has emerged, it has become increasingly plain that this small city bureaucracy has gone amok. Consider that last year the agency's administrative expenses consumed fully 38 percent of the funds spent by SEDC to promote economic growth in its 7.2-square-mile redevelopment zone, according to the city comptroller's estimate.

Next week the City Council will face a crucial chance to ease the burden on taxpayers imposed by San Diego's lavish pension system for municipal workers. At stake is a modest, sensible compromise proposed by Mayor Jerry Sanders and endorsed by City Council President Scott Peters.