"It's a clear message to constitutionalists that they're wrong. The law is
clear, they should stop playing these games." [PARA]S.F. attorney John
Hagar, who represented the county State government would have greater flexibility to hire private engineers and architects should Proposition 35 pass in Tuesday's election.

We're going to need help from the private sector to accomplish Gov. Gray
Davis' six-year, $6.8 billion program to ease traffic congestion. The state
Department of Transportation can't do it alone. This is a good reason to
vote "yes" on Proposition 35.

The initiative would apply to more than work on highway and other transit
projects. It covers engineering and designs for such public projects as
schools, sewer systems and school facilities. Although local government
agencies often use private firms in construction projects, this proposed
state constitutional amendment puts that provision in writing.

Government agencies would be given the option of using private services; it
wouldn't force them to find independent contractors. Still, an agency such
as Caltrans would do well to use outside professionals for projects,
especially those that require special expertise, such as the design of
suspension bridges.

Don't expect Caltrans' rank-and-file workers to embrace this proposition.
We're afraid, though, that without outside help we'd have unnecessary delays
in easing gridlock around the state. Projects intended to meet earthquake-safety standards, of which time is of the essence, also might languish on a waiting list.

There's more than enough work to go around. Vote "yes" on Proposition 35.



<--- Back to Articles Home Page