Exacting a Toll on Public Sufferance

It was only a few weeks ago that it was disclosed how the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) was trying to negotiate a “no-competition” deal with Caltrans that would short-change commuters. Now it is learned that the TCA wants to take away a free road (“Toll on Coast Drive Isn’t Really a Change,” Jan. 7) that the public has been using for over a year, under the guise that this was planned all along to be part of the toll road. Unfortunately, the TCA neglected one small part in their planning--they forgot to tell the public.

Just what other surprises does the TCA have up its sleeve?

What was almost equally disturbing was reading what little regard some Newport Beach city officials also seem to have for the public, saying residents should not be upset about having to give up this road.

(Newport Beach) Councilman (Phil) Sansone holds up mirrors to explain some “proposed” alternate road that makes no sense in driving. Public Works Director (Benjamin) Nolan scolds people for not being more involved in the project, as if we have nothing better to do than to work for a living. And Councilman (John C.) Cox seems the most glib of them all; he says it is inaccurate to say there will be a toll on Newport Coast Drive because the part that will be tolled isn’t really Newport Coast Drive. Thank you for explaining that to me.

This toll road is beginning to look like a very bad idea. Perhaps it is time for our public officials to step back and re-look at this issue before it is too late.

THOMAS MESKO

Laguna Beach