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My Father started with just one truck in 1969, and over the next 38
yearss with all the ups & downs of the construction industry, he
finally was starting to se the fruits of a successful grading
business, with over 150 employees and 100 pieces of equipment
ranging from 25HP to 500HP.(90%0 TIER "O")
  After going through his first recession in 1983 he decided the
best way to stay competetive was to own oder equipment. That way
when times got tight he wouldn't have the high payments of newer
equipment. This business philosophy worked excellent & when the
economy slowed in 1993 we witnessed several of our competetors
fall by the wayside with the overlwhelming equipment payments & no
work to make them.
  A few years of slow work & some very run down equipment later
the economy was on the rebound and FJW was able to survive while
others were not so fortunate. My Fathers business philosophy had
worked again.
  As we went into the mid to late 90's business was really picking
up and FJW Quadrupled in size to where we currently are, our
company added pretty much all TIER "O" equipment sticking with our
proven business approach, Reasonably priced equipment that is well
maintained, you can afford lots of parts when times are busy, but
when it slows down you don't have the big paymnets!
  Now it is 2006 FJW is still very busy, we have millions of
dollars of equity in our equipment, because the prices of used
equipment had actually risen in the last decade due to the higher
steel prices and still striving economy.
  2007 rolls around the economy is slowing, the word starts to get
around about the up coming C.A.R.B. regulations, our equipment
starts to drop dramatically in value our 38 year old business plan
is deemed "STUPID" by a C.A.R.B. staff member at one of the
workshops, and no one wants to listen to any common sense from the
contractors.
  If P.M. & NOX are so hazardous why over the last 38 years have
we not seen a more prolific Asthmatic conditions. I personally was
born with Asthma, and I have been around TIER "O" equipment since I
could crawl, yet I have outgrown my Asthma. Lets call a spade a
spade here, don't go looking to blame an entire industry on
something that has existed dince before our equipment was even
around!
  We have had Four unfortuntate deaths at our company since we
have been in business. The cause of all Four deaths were Heart
Attacks!!!
  Our company is doing 50% of the volume of business compared to
last year at this time, due to the slowing economy, This rule as
it is currently drafted will have a significant impact on our
company, but more so on our loyal employees. FJW will be forced to
sell off equipmentat a major loss, purchase newer equipment, Pay $4
a gallon for Diesel, all while having less work to bid. Sounds like
a recipe for disaster!!! Maybe C.A.R.B. should run our business's
since they ahve it all figured out!!!
  Please give us more time, more flexiblity, and help with the
costs in more ways, or give tax credits. 
  Government should not be able to force thousands of people out
of business.

Sincerely,

Freddie Willert