Mass Transit Tax Wasn’t Explained

James Reichert’s statement (Commentary, April 6) implying that voters, in rejecting a 1-cent sales tax, were rejecting mass transit is a distortion of facts. Here is what really happened:

Before the election, there were articles saying that, if the sales tax did not pass, new freeways could not be built and people would have to do without them. I saw nothing that suggested that plans for mass transit would have to be abandoned or reduced. Because I believe that between an increased population and future energy crunches, freeways are a short-sighted solution--and that we must eventually have mass transportation--I voted against the tax.

After the election, it was claimed that the people had voted against an increase in mass transit. Given the focus of the pre-election campaign, this was unjustified. Shortly thereafter, plans were announced for new freeway construction, which indicates that pre-election campaign statements were false and misleading. I have been doing a burn about this ever since. I should have been given the full and correct information so that I could make an intelligent decision.

Reichert’s implication is a distortion of the facts and shows a continued effort to mislead the public.

JUANITA MATASSA

Santa Ana