LETTERS
Toll Roads
I fail to understand why a few Transportation Corridor System board members have decided that 22 months of study on consolidation of Orange County’s toll roads is insufficient. Even if San Joaquin Hills weren’t in trouble, a merger still would be proper course of action because it would allow the toll roads to refinance their debt, thus saving $200 million. Conversely, a “no” vote likely will result in the second largest municipal bankruptcy in our nation’s history.
Other consequences of a failure to approve the merger include:
& #149; $2.8 billion in additional tolls through 2054 under the bankruptcy plan. If they merge the toll roads would become freeways in 2044.
& #149; Loss of local control. If the TCS boards do not merge, MBIA will take control away from local elected officials on the 73 toll road and maximize tolls, fees and fines with no regard to traffic considerations or public objection.
& #149; More congestion on our freeways and streets. Once the tolls are increased, fewer commuters will use the 73.
The argument that the financial-service fees necessary to complete this merger are excessive falls in the category of “penny-wise but pound foolish.”
Tristan Krogius
Monarch Beach
George W. Bush
It is said that 90% of eligible voters have already made up their minds about the presidential race. To win most of the 10% on the fence,and the few states that are considered up for grabs,George Bush must do most of the following:
Run heavy negative ads about Kerry’s voting record and flip-flops.
Do not meet in public again with Vicente Fox of Mexico.
Don’t come to California without a check!
Consider making a major change or two in the Cabinet (I recommend Cheney and Tenet).
Consider a major mea culpa regarding WMD.
Don’t overdo the 9/11 thing, other than to point out, “Do you really want Teddy Kennedy protecting this country when you go to bed at night?”
Barry M. Gold
Irvine
