Readers React: Don’t blame Prop. 13 for California’s decaying infrastructure

To the editor: UC San Diego political scientist Steven P. Erie blames Proposition 13 for leading this state to ruin. In effect, he supports throwing the elderly out of their homes, along with raising gasoline taxes, vehicle license fees, higher utility bills and other liberal revenue schemes to empower Sacramento with more money. (“California is falling apart; here’s why,” op-ed, July 29)

His derogatory slogan “ballot box budgeting” is really an attack on the rights of voters to rein in irresponsible spending by politicians, whose failed track record of crazy policies and criminal mismanagement is the real reason for California’s problems.

Erie’s calls for leadership and not letting California voters off the hook really mean government forcing tax increases on people without adequate debate.

Pat Murphy, Pacific Palisades

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To the editor: It is noted in the interview with Erie that the state of California estimates the cost of fixing its roads and freeways is $59 billion.

California’s high-speed rail system will cost more than $60 billion to build. Fixing all the roads and freeways versus the high-speed rail — let’s vote on that.

Steve Hawes, Sunland

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