Gold Line

Taxpayers benefit from Antonovich News-Press readers Perslete and Wright need to re-read the article titled "Sales-tax increase measure threatens regional rail system" (Oct. 13). Supervisor Michael Antonovich does not want to block public transportation, he merely wants to be sure that it is done in the most efficient and prudent manner. We need more elected officials like Antonovich to pave the way for swift improvements with the taxpayers' best interests at heart.

Now, I will agree with Mr. Michael D. Antonovich that the Gold Line will play a vital role in the county's public transit plans, but so does a Red Line extension to the dense and bustling Fairfax District so Metrolink and Gold Line commuters can easily get to work from their homes. A Green Line connection that actually serves the airport terminals so tourists don't need to rent a car to get around the Greater L.A. area. The Expo Line to Santa Monica so everyone can comfortably ride the line to the beach to beat the Valley heat.

photo op As a constituent of Mr. Antonovich's district who regularly uses transit, I am appalled at the continued "tunnel vision" exhibited by our county officials. In his editorial denouncing SB314, the proposed half-cent sales tax measure, Mr. Antonovich dispenses so much misinformation and ignorance of both the legislation and our countywide transit network that I don't know where to begin. Antonovich complains that extending the Red Line subway will not serve the entire county.

MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH Our county's new Gold Line rail system is successfully playing a vital role in the realization of our county's regional transit plan. However, a ballot measure by Gov. Gray Davis to raise the sales tax by a half-cent for the budget- busting subway threatens this plan. The Gold Line can be expanded by utilizing existing freeway medians and abandoned railroad rights-of-way for a comprehensive at-grade and aboveground rail system.