Submitted by Terry Parker on Thu, 05/08/2008 - 7:58am.
Most working class people are feeling the pinch from high energy prices, high food prices and yes, high government taxes, especially in Portland where the basic cost of living far exceeds the surrounding areas. Now it seems the City has come round to not only feeling the monetary pinch, but also feeling the chorus of disapproval from the public about how their tax dollars are being consumed. The postings and criticism from the general public on the blogs that I read and elsewhere have been overwhelmingly opposed to the reckless extravagance of spending taxpayer money to relocate the old Sauvie Island bridge over I-405 at Flanders Street. Sam’s decision to pull the plug is as much due to the public’s protest over this issue as it is over budgetary concerns. The unpredictable cost overruns was an escape route Sam. Credit the public for forcing Sam into the announcing cancellation of this project.
What is needed now is for PDOT to get back to basics instead of continually using the credit card to finance high profile projects and passing on the debt, often reoccurring debt, to future generations. Sustainability starts with financial self-sustainability. Given the costs of construction and environmental effects of construction, often times the most sustainable practice is to maintain what is already in place. That said, the Burnside Couplet, the Eastside Streetcar, other streetcar planning and the proliferation of congestion creating curb extensions ought to go the way of the afore mentioned bridge relocation project – be cancelled. In addition to establishing a bicycle tax so bicyclists share the costs with motorists of maintaining transport infrastructure, PDOT needs to concentrate on maintaining existing infrastructure and not adding to the consumption of infrastructure by creating something different.
Additionally, speaking, Eric is on the right track. If Sam and others expect Portland residents to change their transport habits, the City as an employer MUST lead by example. In other words, all city inspectors and personnel in all bureaus while on the job would be required to use transit or travel by bicycle. The city fleet of motor vehicles would be downsized using only American made products and the Fire Bureau would respond to medical emergencies using motor scooters with sidecars and scoot boots for equipment and supplies instead of fuel consuming large rigs.
The conversation could go on, but I think the message is clear. The Portland city government as a whole needs to reel in its own extravagant spending habits and get back to the core responsibility of providing basic services to the citizenry. The people of Portland are tightening their belts, now it is the City’s turn.
Yet another sound bite Press Release
Most working class people are feeling the pinch from high energy prices, high food prices and yes, high government taxes, especially in Portland where the basic cost of living far exceeds the surrounding areas. Now it seems the City has come round to not only feeling the monetary pinch, but also feeling the chorus of disapproval from the public about how their tax dollars are being consumed. The postings and criticism from the general public on the blogs that I read and elsewhere have been overwhelmingly opposed to the reckless extravagance of spending taxpayer money to relocate the old Sauvie Island bridge over I-405 at Flanders Street. Sam’s decision to pull the plug is as much due to the public’s protest over this issue as it is over budgetary concerns. The unpredictable cost overruns was an escape route Sam. Credit the public for forcing Sam into the announcing cancellation of this project.
What is needed now is for PDOT to get back to basics instead of continually using the credit card to finance high profile projects and passing on the debt, often reoccurring debt, to future generations. Sustainability starts with financial self-sustainability. Given the costs of construction and environmental effects of construction, often times the most sustainable practice is to maintain what is already in place. That said, the Burnside Couplet, the Eastside Streetcar, other streetcar planning and the proliferation of congestion creating curb extensions ought to go the way of the afore mentioned bridge relocation project – be cancelled. In addition to establishing a bicycle tax so bicyclists share the costs with motorists of maintaining transport infrastructure, PDOT needs to concentrate on maintaining existing infrastructure and not adding to the consumption of infrastructure by creating something different.
Additionally, speaking, Eric is on the right track. If Sam and others expect Portland residents to change their transport habits, the City as an employer MUST lead by example. In other words, all city inspectors and personnel in all bureaus while on the job would be required to use transit or travel by bicycle. The city fleet of motor vehicles would be downsized using only American made products and the Fire Bureau would respond to medical emergencies using motor scooters with sidecars and scoot boots for equipment and supplies instead of fuel consuming large rigs.
The conversation could go on, but I think the message is clear. The Portland city government as a whole needs to reel in its own extravagant spending habits and get back to the core responsibility of providing basic services to the citizenry. The people of Portland are tightening their belts, now it is the City’s turn.