Letters: Lowest bidder, low quality

Re “City suing over ‘unfit’ LAX runway,” Oct. 18

Several months ago, I wrote to The Times about the danger of hiring the construction firm Tutor-Perini to build California’s high-speed rail system. Now, with Los Angeles suing a division of Tutor-Perini over the crumbling runway at Los Angeles International Airport that the contractor rebuilt seven years ago, we know why Ron Tutor’s firm is adept at submitting low bids: shoddy materials and processes.

California must now hire a European firm that has real experience building high-speed rail systems. The Spanish trains, for example, are outstanding.

We must pay for experience, safety and lasting construction — or we’ll get another version of the LAX runway that hasn’t lasted seven whole years.

Lynne Shapiro

Marina del Rey

There is always a reason for the lowest bid. It’s a shame it takes seven years to find out why.

When will we learn?

Dick Hotaling

Pasadena

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