Schwarzenegger’s Budget Falls Short

Re “Gov. Seeks to Divert Transit Funds Again,” Jan. 15: So Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is proposing to take millions in gas taxes that the voters ordered in Proposition 42 to go to improving our transportation system so that he can fix his budget problems. He has promised to repay the money over 15 years.

In light of the fact he made a similar promise to refund suspended education funding from Proposition 98 last year and now has reneged on that promise, there is no reason to believe he will make good on this promise. Schwarzenegger swore to enforce the laws that in the end reflect the will of the people. He has not only lied to educators and schoolchildren across this state, but he is continuing to flout the clear will of the people. Gray Davis was recalled for much less.

Gary E. Murphy

Simi Valley

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Re “ ‘Broken System’ Budget Unveiled,” Jan. 11: Schwarzenegger has proposed eliminating two holidays for state employees as a way of balancing the budget. He would leave it to supervisors to determine which holidays to eliminate.

A racist supervisor may decide to do away with Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Cesar Chavez Day. An unpatriotic supervisor may decide to do away with Veterans Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day or Presidents Day. Or, if a department was run by the Grinch himself, a supervisor could decide to do away with Christmas. If the governor really thinks that this is an intelligent way to balance the budget, he should come out and pick the holidays to be eliminated.

Since most state workers, unlike prison guards, have received an average of 1% yearly pay raises since Pete Wilson became governor and are now in danger of losing the only thing that keeps them in state service (their pension), I would wager that the governor would eliminate Labor Day.

Mark Henderson

Woodland Hills

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As a visitor to Southern California, I am struck by its physical beauty. The clear views of the mountains in the winter and the stunning beach sunsets are inspiring. You have so much to share. I am stunned by the number of luxury cars, the multitude of multimillion-dollar homes and gated communities. Newport Beach, Brentwood and Malibu are rich beyond imagination.

While reading the main tenets of your governor’s budget I was struck by the contrast between your environment and your leaders. With so much, he plans to finance his lifestyle on the backs of the old, the poor, the helpless and the children. The people in exclusive residential areas could well afford to pay a little more to share the bounty of your region.

A beautiful place can become very ugly when greed and consumption become the hallmarks. You need to reject the fake macho and look to real strength by sharing with those in need. People should not be judged by how much they accumulate but how much good they do.

John J. Conway

Lakewood, Ohio