Readers Write 05/28

MARTA

Recession, revenue hurt agency, not salaries

Kyle Wingfield’s recent series on MARTA gets it wrong on many scores. Compared to other comparable transit systems across the country, MARTA ranks among the most cost-efficient. MARTA has a shortfall this year because of the recession and a loss of over $100 million in sales tax revenue — not because of waste or high wages.

MARTA hourly operators and mechanics are paid among the lowest rates in the country for comparable transit agencies. MARTA is the least costly transit system for labor settlements over the past 10 years, averaging only half the national average in wage increases.

Contrary to Wingfield’s argument, wages in the newer and smaller Gwinnett private system have unfairly outstripped wages for some MARTA workers. MARTA workers have agreed to forego collective bargaining and wage increases for over 18 months in response to the recession, and to spare jobs and service cuts.

Benita West, president, Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 732

JUSTICE

Murderer’s confession should not spare him

Regarding Eve Carson’s murder (“Guilty plea in death of N.C. student from Athens,” Metro, May 25), the second worst thing about this is that Demario Atwater should become a ward of the state and given shelter, three squares a day and other amenities provided at taxpayers’ expense — while the world has lost someone with obvious potential.

Our system of justice leaves much to be desired in the way of dealing with murderers who commit their crimes with malice and aforethought. The fact that a guilty plea is entered should not allow the criminal to avoid capital punishment.

Robert Grayson, Cumming

ENVIRONMENT

Why aren’t other oil companies helping BP?

In light of the catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico, why would BP not seek the resources and expertise of Exxon, Chevron, Shell to attack this spill? And why would those companies not offer to be available to help BP, if for no other reason than for experience?

It makes more sense that companies experienced in oil exploration in the gulf would have more resources and knowledge of how to control this tragedy than Washington.

David Dickey, Atlanta

JUDICIARY

Double standard for hearings is wrong

Carl Tobias complains that judicial vacancies aren’t being filled quickly enough (“Court nominees need prompt action,” Opinion, May 25). But where was he when President George W. Bush’s nominees couldn’t get hearings — let alone the floor votes he urges should take place at a brisk pace amid a busy legislative docket?

The rush is particularly galling in the context of Elena Kagan. Would Tobias suggest we rush to fill a life-term seat without even the opportunity to review the nominee’s record? Tobias’ hurry reveals he is not interested in more than a perfunctory confirmation process — at least when it comes to nominees of his favored party.

Carrie Severino, The Judicial Crisis Network