O.C. in Need of Better Means for Clean Air

Mr. (William R.) Jones of Hughes (Aerospace & Defense Sector in) Fullerton is nothing more than a front person for the special interests of his employer (“Cleaning Our Air Without Taking Businesses to the Cleaners,” Commentary, Sept. 27). Hughes and their ilk are quite adept at manipulating the governmental systems and public press to their singular advantage.

While it’s true the coercion-based AQMD ride-share program is a boondoggle and must be eliminated, the “stealth-tax” impact of increased vehicle licensing fees, parking fees and much higher gasoline tax on the private citizen will do far more economic damage with very little, if any, environmental benefits.

The members of the task force that Mr. Jones chairs (Orange County Private Sector Task Force) and the Regional Advisory and Planning Council are nothing more than rubber stamps for their related businesses and advocacy groups, with little intent to protect the public.

HUGH BROESAMLE, Costa Mesa