Who’s to Blame for Traffic Woes

William Farris, chairman of the Orange County Transit District board of directors, is warning the public about our increasing transportation problems (Commentary, March 15). The future is grim for those of us who rely on cars to go to and from work. Flex time and car pools would be a responsible gesture of the business community.

Was Farris chastising these leaders for not aggressively tackling the problem? It seems he forgot to ask for help from those who allowed it to happen and the only people who can prevent it from getting worse.

Both county and city elected officials have said yes to their friends and contributors, the developers. Blanket approval for excessive growth is rationalized by the promise of a healthy economy or justified with the threat of economic disaster unless we continue to build.

There are various interpretations of build-out, that point at which the county will have to stop major construction. It is evident that build-out won’t be recognized by those in power until we witness residents and businesses fleeing the area to find relief from congestion and pollution.

The developers’ elixir for our economy will be recognized for the poison that it is. The boom-town fever will have left a track of cement and a permanent legacy of destruction.

TONI ISEMAN

Laguna Beach