Oh man. Time for some Poli Sci 101.
Folks, this isn't a mechanical exercise, except inasmuch as DOT is a
*political* machine. And as one of the dead Kennedys once said,
politics ain't mechanical, its chemical. That is, don't expect
instantaneous results but use every opportunity to influence the
system; election season is high season for getting one's input into
the system. Furthermore:
A) It isn't a matter of whether anything changes in reality between
now and Nov 7, it is a matter of wringing a promise out of them which
can be used against them at a later date. This works as often as it
doesn't (remember, its chemical, not mechanical) but at least there
is a decent *chance* of getting something good, in terms of a
promise, out of them just before an election. Then, yes of course, it
is a matter of "keep[ing] up the pressure." As someone who has been
heavily involved in bike/ped/transit advocacy and political campaigns
for lo these past 16+ years, this is hardly a new concept to me.
Election season is merely a critical juncture that should be taken
advantage of rather than waiting til 7 days afterward.
B) The DOT Sec'y is a *political* appointee. It is *NOT* a civil
service job! In fact, it has long been the plummiest of plum jobs for
any governor's (Dem or Rep) fat cat cronies. Getting your letter in
now, cc'ing the Governor and the rest of the world (good suggestion
that!) could have a much bigger impact than waiting to a point that
leaves your letter 4 years out from the next election.
C) Is it a certainty? No way.
D) I never said give up. Dunno where that came from. I'm merely
suggesting that using the election season as a great big lever (or
cudgel, pick your weapon) might be a good thing. This election is
tightening up. Even the Dems are figuring out the concept of
micro-casting--who knows they might pick up on this wavelength.
Again, no certainties, but it is always worth a try.
-Mike
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