Affirmative Action and State Contracts

If indeed “from now on, the state will award contracts . . . based solely on the basis of merit” (March 12), it is going to be required to change its procedures radically. As far back as I can remember, the state has awarded contracts based on various criteria: who one knows, how big the company is, how much money a company donated to various election campaigns and so on. That’s why there was so much clamor from minority and women’s groups who wanted to be let into the game.

Now Gov. Pete Wilson tells us they are going to try something new, merit. I wonder how they’re going to pull that off.

CHARLES W. MUSER

Irvine

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I would respectfully offer an editing change to the Times article. It said, “The action marks the first time Wilson has been legally free to dismkantle state programs that he believes gives an unfair advantage,” etc. In fairness and actuality, it should say “Gov. Wilson, following the mandates of a democratic vote of a majority of California voters, and the findings of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that ruled Proposition 209 is constitutional, has implemented the wishes of his constituents. Wilson’s actions and beliefs are further reinforced by the Supreme Court’s refusal to overturn a similar appellate court finding in Florida.”

J. J. MAHER

Monrovia

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So Wilson has abolished affirmative action in state contracts that have “funneled billions of dollars in state contracts to companies owned by minorities and women.” Wonder what a future white male governor will do when he discovers that white males are the minority in California? Will he seek to reinstate affirmative action?

E. L. DIEMER

Santa Barbara