Controversy Over Agency’s Suit Against Toll Road Foes

The Times editorial (July 26) alleging that a TCA (Transportation Corridor Agency) federal legal action creates a “chilling effect” ignores these compelling facts:

The groups named in the action repeatedly and emphatically promised to sue the TCA. Our action merely fulfilled their self-stated desire to get into court.

The Laguna Greenbelt, SPON (and) Save our San Juan have aggressively sued government agencies, private companies and individuals to advance their own agendas. Unlike ad hoc “community groups” of a few neighbors who meet in someone’s family room, these organizations employ professional staff and consultants, conduct year-round fund raising, are assisted by national allies with multimillion-dollar budgets and engage in sophisticated media advocacy. (Remember the Bette Midler radio ads last Feb. 29?)

These groups have chosen to litigate instead of negotiate. So be it. Those who choose the game deserve no sympathy when the rules of that same game go against them.

MICHAEL STOCKSTILL, Director of Public Affairs, Transportation Corridor Agencies