PLAs are not required under executive order
Re: “Another Obama favor for unions,” editorial, April 14
Your editorial’s question: “So why has President Obama signed Executive Order 13502 directing federal agencies taking bids for government construction projects to accept only those from contractors who agree in advance to a project labor agreement that requires a union work force?” is interesting, but it misstates what Obama did.
Executive order 13502 — which was issued on Feb. 6, 2009, more than one year ago — allows federal agencies to require PLAs on a project-to-project basis if certain conditions are met, but does not “require an executive agency to use a project labor agreement on any construction project.”
Nor do new federal regulations issued on April 13, 2010, require PLAs. They only implement the executive order’s authorization to use them, and go no further.
Whether PLAs should be required by federal agencies is certainly a matter that is subject to debate and worthy of attention. But the Examiner should correctly state the facts.
Michael L. Roy
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One-sided analysis of shooting spree doesn’t help
Re: “Juvenile murder suspects, victims had been assigned to city’s care,” April 13
As D.C. residents absorb the shock of the horrific shooting spree in Southeast Washington, I am left hoping “never again.” But unbalanced scrutiny of the city’s approach to juvenile justice won’t produce the unflinching analysis needed to prevent such senseless violence in the future.
Your article cites critics of the Department of Youth and Rehabilitative Services, but neglects to mention that more youth with more serious problems have been committed for longer stays in secure care settings than under previous administrations. Examiner readers would also benefit from data on juvenile re-offense rates, which are generally lower since reforms.
I am also disturbed by your unusual choice to disclose the name of the 14-year-old allegedly involved. Courts and the media generally protect minors’ identities, in part because tying a young person’s name to a case before all the facts are out can have negative lifelong implications. Your paper has unfairly harmed this child.
While DYRS and the other agencies involved have to be held accountable, a responsible search for solutions requires a comprehensive look at what is working as well as what is not. As we search for answers, we must all accept responsibility for our public safety by engaging in an honest and balanced dialogue that acknowledges both our successes and our failures.
Daniel Okonkwo
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