Getting the carpool bill out of the slow lane

Re “Revival of Carpool Lane Bill Promised,” Sept. 10

The failure of legislators to get the I-405 carpool lane is a great example of why we’re on the decline. It’s September, and state legislators won’t go back to work until January?

The bill was held up because of a combination of political bickering and, let me get this straight, union opposition to a process that would “reduce the state agency’s role” and “speed them [projects] up.”

I guess it makes sense; the Legislature needs a four-month break before it can work again, and it has to find a way to make state projects slower and increase the bureaucratic role in getting anything done. Heaven help us.

JOE SYKORA

Woodland Hills

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The article said that Professional Engineers in California Government was concerned [about the I-405 carpool lane bill] because “it could cost jobs.” Actually, the concern is that the “design-build” process typically delays projects and doubles the cost over normal competitive bidding procedures. At least, that has been the experience in California thus far.

Should this project utilize a system that requires a construction company to furnish a guaranteed lump-sum bid on a project that hasn’t even been designed yet? This procedure has consistently failed to protect the interests of taxpayers and commuters in the past. Ultimately the issue won’t be about jobs, it will be about fiscal common sense and the best way to relieve traffic congestion.

JOHN ROBERTS

President, Professional Engineers in California Government

Sacramento