State politicos want to waste $1.5 billion

I read the California Capitol East Annex is to be demolished and replaced as part of a $1.5 billion infrastructure proposal. The Department of Finance said it is “aged, ancient,and has significant needs,” and is visited by thousands, including schoolchildren.

I remember taking the capitol tour, including a walk down the annex hall. I didn’t realize it was in such a state. There were no potholes like those in state roadways. It didn’t strike me that our schoolchildren would be endangered. I don’t remember a drinking fountain, but I’m pretty sure a lack of water in the annex isn’t an issue like it is for our agriculture industry or rural communities with dry wells.

Upgrading infrastructure for politicians is far less important than the infrastructure that serves the people. This proposal is not an integral need, and posturing it as necessary for visiting schoolchildren is an insult to our intelligence.

Politicians may say certain funds can or can’t be used for this project or that, but when it suits their purposes a way is found. It should be clear that there are far more pressing uses for $1.5 billion than creature comforts for the resident con-artists. Find the way.

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 6:57 AM with the headline "State politicos want to waste $1.5 billion."