Brandon Robert Williams – 6/27/07

This page was last updated on July 1, 2007.

‘Aliquippa needs new bridge’; Brandon Robert Williams; Beaver County Times; June 27, 2007.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“As a former resident of Aliquippa, I am very disgruntled with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission for not granting approval for the building of a new bridge between Aliquippa and Ambridge. This issue has reminded me how the political system in Pennsylvania is broken.

“The new bridge would have provided a much-needed opportunity for the greater Aliquippa area. Politicians in Harrisburg, including Gov. Rendell and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, see otherwise. They believe in renovating the existing bridge.”

[RWC] How does Mr. Williams know this? As I mention below, no cost-benefit analyses were performed. I suspect Mr. Williams belongs to the school of “build it and they will come.”

“Instead of giving an opportunity to rebuild communities like Aliquippa and Ambridge, the state decides to go ahead with a plan to put these neighborhoods in a gloomy future.

“It is time for these two communities - especially my hometown of Aliquippa - to take a stand against these politicians. We need money to fix up and create a better environment for businesses to foster and grow.”

[RWC] I wonder if it ever occurred to Mr. Williams that reducing government and taxes might “create a better environment for businesses to foster and grow.” Probably not.

“If you are with me, let’s take a stand together and put the power back in the people’s hands.”

[RWC] Since it applies here, the following is from my critique of the editorial “Constructive criticism.”

“I attended a public meeting regarding the Aliquippa-Ambridge Bridge in 2002. After the presentation, I asked if I could see the cost-benefit analysis. The presenter looked at me like I had two heads and explained to me cost-benefit analyses were not part of the process for road and bridge projects. This seemed incredible to me, so I asked then Rep. Susan Laughlin (D-16) about a cost-benefit analysis. Four years later I’m still waiting.

“The problem isn’t only with Democrats. Three years ago I asked Commissioner Camp (an alleged Republican) about a cost-benefit analysis for the Veterans Memorial Bridge (new Fallston bridge). His response was ‘It will cost the county nothing. It is our share of federal and state transportation dollars. I am seeing that finally the money we pay in gas tax gets spent here in Beaver County.’ That’s some cost-benefit analysis, isn’t it?”