Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor (April 23, 2004)

On BART, stick to the tried and true

Editor:

In "More on BART to SJ" (Letters, April 9), Doug O'Neill presents cogent arguments about rethinking this current $4 billion-plus expenditure. Had the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) considered "a non-BART alternative" for its extension to SFO from Daly City over 10 years ago, it would not be in the financial crisis it is in now, unable to pay for the expense of operating this low-ridership extension.

However, Mr. O'Neil concludes that what's needed is "leaders who think outside the box." Actually, that's just how we got into this mess -- half a century ago. BART was planning to be something entirely new and different than what already existed so as to be more attractive than a typical subway.

So the gauge was different than standard rail, and it would serve suburbs as well as the urban core. Consequently, BART cannot purchase "off the shelf" equipment as everything must be built exclusively for the wider gauge. BART serves low-density suburbs (that don't generate high ridership) with the same frequency as high-density urban areas, resulting in high operating costs, as SamTrans has discovered.

Returning to the BART to SJ corridor, please, no "out of the box" thinking here. What's needed is proven, effective, low-cost technologies. The corridor is already served by the successful ACE commuter rail and the AMTRAK Capitol Corridor trains, as well semi-express VTA buses. Let's improve on what we know already works, ensuring that the 30-year Measure A sales tax revenues will be well spent on all corridors of Santa Clara County that need transit improvements.

Irvin Dawid
Alma Street, Palo Alto

A correction on 'Rebuilding Together' article

Editor:

I have a minor correction to the April 16 Voice article about rebuilding my home. My service as a naval supply officer did not extend to the time I was working at Moffett Field where I was a U.S. Civil Service employee.

The article was a good tribute to the volunteers and donors of Rebuilding Together Peninsula, all of whom I appreciate very much, as well as many others who helped in my house and yard after my hip operation. I am looking forward eagerly to the finished project.

Ruth Wolgast
Blackfield Way

Democrat says party label is still important

Editor:

I am glad that Gov. Schwarzenegger is making progress on some of California's tough issues like workers' compensation and the state deficit.

At the same time I would warn my fellow Californians to resist the siren song of saying that all Republicans are mellow fellows and let's vote for them. The latest report from the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV, www.ecovote.org) reminds us that party labels do have serious implications. The average environmental score for California Democratic legislators was 93.5. The average for the Republicans: 3.5

So party does matter and if you prefer clean to chewy air, pure to poisoned water and just hate picking tar balls out of your hair after a day at the beach, be careful who you vote for in the upcoming election.

Ed Taub
Devoto Street

Asking President Bush to view the real world

Editor:

Gas prices are over $2 and climbing. The number of people without health insurance is more than 40 million and climbing. Since 2001 the cost of education at public colleges has increased 28 percent, eclipsing the future of tens of thousands of young people.

But it's different in George Bush's world. As a former oilman, George Bush gets all warm and tingly when he fills up. George Bush doesn't worry about health care because it's taken care of. And of course he was a legacy, so George Bush didn't have to worry about his college education.

I hope the next president is more familiar with the real world. I hope the next president values the health of all Americans. I hope the next president realizes that a college education benefits America as well as the graduate. I hope the next president sees that raising gas prices is like pouring molasses in the gears of our economy. I hope the next president arrives real soon because I don't think we can stand another four years of this one.

Paul Copeland
Pamela Drive

E-mail a friend a link to this story.