Editor, the Knoxville News-Sentinel:

I was disappointed in your recent editorial on suggesting the Orange Route. Yes, Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Bruce Saltsman said it well when he said, "(The engineers) are going to figure out the best place to put it and the best way to impact the least amount of people."

It shows his arrogance and lack of accountability to the people he claims to serve. But it is not the people he serves. He is the governor's man. Often, these road-building projects are politically motivated. Plus, they tend to contribute to urban sprawl.

When does the government ever have the right to take homes and businesses in the name of the public good? Never. But a little piece of paper known as the Bill of Rights never stopped a rogue individual or agency that claims to speak for the community from trampling on it.

Take away TDOT's slush fund. Make it beg for money just like every other department. Finish all current paving projects, and fix the roads that need fixing.

The Orange Route is not necessary. Finally a message to the people of Hardin Valley: Push and push hard.

Chris Fortner

Knoxville