Mailbag: Freeway issue is a small one

Recently elected state Sen. Anthony Portantino, a former member of the La Cañada Flintridge City Council, decided among his first legislative acts to name a portion of the 134 Freeway the President Barack H. Obama Freeway. While there may be several other important issues on the list of needs for California, Sen. Portantino put this near the top.

This obvious political gesture, while appeasing to liberals, is inconsistent with the purpose of naming local roadways. While it is true that President Obama spent a little more than two years in California attending Occidental College, he did little else in California except attend numerous fundraisers for the Democratic party. Obviously, the purpose of this proposal is political, a way for the party to recognize one of its darlings, but there are better ways to make use of taxpayer dollars.

I am more than a little dismayed at the behavior of the junior senator. I would have thought his judgment to be a bit keener given his resume. Perhaps being hopeful of meaningful legislative progress is too much to expect in this politically charged atmosphere. If Sen. Portantino needs a recommendation for something to do, may I suggest a joint legislative committee to consider the Oakland warehouse disaster where 36 people lost their lives, the worst fire in Oakland’s history and one of the deadliest nationally? If he took on this task, he might be able to determine if the city of Oakland was abiding by its responsibility to provide for the safety and security of its residents. He might also be a leader in setting state standards for inspection and fire prevention. This is just a thought. It might be more important than naming a freeway.

Bob Taylor

La Crescenta