Call Box Distortion

The ongoing dispute surrounding emergency call boxes on local freeways has long been “distinguished” by the casual use of untruths, half-truths and willful distortions. Unfortunately, The Times contributed to the resulting confusion by publishing more such drivel under the banner of commentary (“Stubborn Roadblock to Public Safety,” Feb. 28).

The author, Mr. Steve Salerno, would have us believe that the controversy is much ado about nothing, that Cubic Corp. should be spanked for the “dilatory tactics” he says it employed to postpone the call box program. As a consulting engineer who is familiar with all the technologies involved, I find it suspicious that the author could find so little evidence quite so compelling.

In truth, the cellular transceivers offered by Comarco and Cubic are almost identical. To suggest that one is clearly preferable to the other, or that one’s test results are radically different from the other, is unsupportable. It is likewise specious to argue that either of the two firms has a clear-cut edge in “experience.” True, Comarco’s partner, Cellular Communications, was involved in a freeway call box experiment in New York City, but the system failed so miserably it was removed.

Like many before him, Mr. Salerno is trying to confuse the one simple question that Cubic deigned to ask last summer: “Should a public agency, such as SAFE (Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies), adhere to the usual rules of competitive bidding?” Cubic has been criticized for raising that question, but Cubic’s bid was $1.1 million less than the next-lowest vendor. And since Cubic’s position was later endorsed by Superior Court Judge Richard Huffman, the 4th District Court of Appeal and Gov. George Deukmejian, it apparently had some merit.

I am sure all parties are frustrated by the various delays that have beset the call box program. The public has asked for such a system and the public deserves one. But those who would confuse the issue with inaccuracy, distortion and naivete are doing the principals and the public a true disservice.

SAM ARN

Commissioner

San Diego County International Trade Commission