The reviews are in on Schwarzenegger

Re “Gov. Lays Out Agenda of Concrete, Steel,” Jan. 6

In the State of the State speech, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger took the middle ground, where everyone gets something and no one has to pay. Big business gets the infrastructure and the contracts that go with it; labor gets the work; education gets a big sum of money; and all we have to do is borrow. Yes, I believe he was exactly right, that is the California Dream -- the illusion of a gold rush, the reality of cheap illegal labor and the bright, shining face of Hollywood.

ERIC MAHONEY

Tujunga

*

Leopard spots do not change. So much for Schwarzenegger and his reelection campaigning. His big plans for the schools, freeway relief by toll lanes, apologies for attacking the Legislature -- all are reelection ploys. Haven’t we already learned our lessons? Face recognition and stardom do not a governor or politician make.

CAROL SOMERS

Encino

*

Movement of goods is a business expense. The state and taxpayers should not be burdened with paying for infrastructure necessary to move goods through the state. The many businesses who benefit from shipment through our ports should be responsible for the additional cent or two per item shipped resulting from a reasonable increase in container fees.

The cost of goods movement and reasonable air quality are not a public expense; no bond issue to be paid in any way by taxpayers can be justified. Southern Californians paid the cost for dirty air and degrading infrastructure for long enough so that now low-cost goods can fly off the shelves at discount retailers. We want the business; we want responsible state government, cleaner air and quality of life as well. Put the cost where it belongs.

RICHARD HAVENICK

San Pedro

*

The governor’s speech was impressive. (Is it too cynical to expect no less from an actor?) In any case, does his concern for clean air in the Central Valley -- and all those kids who need inhalers -- extend to the people who need to do business with California and its governor and who have to spend time in his cigar tent? Just wondering.

STEPHEN GREENBERG

Santa Monica