Proposition 35
By Daily Bruin Staff
Nov. 5, 2000 9:00 p.m.
PROPOSITION 35
Public Works Projects. Use of private contractors for
engineering and architectural services.
The current backlog in road and school construction cries out
for a solution, but Proposition 35 is not the answer. This
constitutional amendment opens the door to corruption by allowing
the government to contract private engineers and architects, almost
asking for abuse among assemblymen who could be tempted into giving
political favors. Allowing private contractors to help fulfill the
construction needs of the state is a good idea; it would put state
dollars into the private sector and could speed up the completion
of much-needed roads and schools.
But Proposition 35 does not require competitive bidding. Thus,
while the amendment may save money and speed things up, it could
easily be misused to cost taxpayers a fortune. Do you trust your
politicians that much?
