Re “Why are California Republicans proud to be irrelevant?” (May 7): The “bullet-train boondoggle” phrase in the editorial shows a lack of understanding and constructive imagination.

The high-speed rail goal is to upgrade passenger rail statewide. We will need streets, freeways, airplanes and better rail. The world’s leading economies show this principle is true.

Unanticipated litigation and land acquisition delays dramatically slowed it down and raised costs. Phase 1 environmental impact reports are in process, many unknowns (such as more extensive tunneling) have been clarified and construction is proceeding along one of the busiest Amtrak routes (now hindered by no dedicated right-of-way). The fundamentals remain the same and requirements are attainable. This isn’t a “boondoggle.” Costs will be greater than anticipated, but it’s still worth doing.

The authority has been conscientious and the federal audit won’t show incompetence. The question is really “how” (rather than “should”) we do it. The GOP and the U-T, however, are still focused on the wrong question.


Robert Benson

Mission Valley

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