O.C. Tollway, Tactics, Financing Generate Broadsides, Warnings

The Nov. 27 article, “Empty Denver Toll Road Called O.C. Tollway Omen,” certainly did characterize the San Joaquin Hills toll road as an ill omen for us in Orange County. The big-buck money trail of TCA (Transportation Corridor Agency) funding and spending and the desperate efforts to bail out this money-squandering agency tell a very revealing and disturbing story.

Gary Hausdorfer hit the nail on the head with his offhand comment, “It’s natural for people to wonder where all the money has gone.” Yes, Gary, we do wonder where the millions upon millions of taxpayer dollars have gone! The citizens of Orange County need to know the truth behind the TCA, the County of Orange and the big developers. Do we taxpayers have to face bankruptcy before being forced to bail out another boondoggle?

The implications are clear that Supervisor Thomas F. Riley will “do anything to get the road built.” He has, and he would. How the rules of the game change when the players make up the rules as they go along to fit their needs.

We deserve to have honest, responsible public officials who will not abuse the public trust.

Orange County environmentalist Beth Leeds has had the courage to stand up against the TCA. That the TCA has continued to sue her in federal court in a SLAPP lawsuit indicates that she is being effective in stopping the toll road.

ROBERT W. WELLS

Laguna Beach