From: Robbie Webber <[email protected]>
Watch the video. Very inspiring, and you wonder, "Why can't we do that?"
"The solution was found in the political will on a national and municipal
level, with both decision-makers and planners, to deal with this situation by
turning away from car-centric policies and making way for alternative transport
like cycling.”
it appears that we don't have that, at least on the national level.....here's a
response from senator ron johnson. apparently, America's infrastructure
neglect was caused by low priority, politically motivated transportation
projects favoring pedestrians, cyclists and people who like flowers!
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Senator Ron Johnson <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 1:42 PM
Subject: Responding to your message
Mail
Dear John,
Thank you for taking the time to write me regarding transportation and
infrastructure funding.
A vibrant economy requires a highly functioning infrastructure system, and the
building and maintenance of one should be a top priority of government.
Unfortunately, we have neglected America's infrastructure by directing spending
to lower priority, politically motivated projects.
For example, in FY2012, Congress has authorized over $900 million for special
enhancement projects - defined by the United States Department of
Transportation as provisions for pedestrians, cyclists, historic sites, flower
planting, tourist and welcome center facilities, among other non-priority
projects. With budget deficits exceeding $1 trillion, it is critical to begin
a more intelligent process of prioritizing the funding of transportation and
infrastructure programs.
Our nation's fiscal situation is dire. Over the last three years, Washington
added $4 trillion to our nation's debt. It now exceeds $15 trillion, is
increasing by almost $100 billion per month, and has surpassed the size of
America's economy.This mountain of debt threatens the hopes and dreams of
future generations. Passing our debt to our children and grandchildren is
immoral and must stop. I am willing to work with anyone in Congress who is
serious about addressing the number one problem facing our nation.
Unfortunately, neither the Administration nor Democrats in the Senate have
offered any serious budget proposals. President Obama's budget for FY2012 would
have increased our already massive federal debt by $12 trillion over the next
decade. His budget was defeated in the Senate by a vote of 0-97, which was a
stunning repudiation of his leadership.
The Democrat controlled Senate has not passed a budget in more than two years.
This is irresponsible and puts our nation in fiscal peril. Until the President
and Senate Democrats get serious, it will be very difficult to pass legislation
that begins to put us on the path of fiscal responsibility. Until we return
fiscal discipline to Washington, infrastructure spending will not receive the
priority consideration it deserves.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts. It is important
for me to hear the views and concerns of the people I serve. Since taking
office, I have received over 300,000 pieces of correspondence and have had over
150,000 people participate in live forums and telephone town hall meetings.
Please feel free to contact me in the future if I can further assist you or
your family. It is an honor representing you and the good people of Wisconsin
in the U.S. Senate.
Sincerely,
Ron Johnson
United States Senator
http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/01/09/how-the-dutch-got-their-bike-paths/
Robbie Webber
Transportation Policy Analyst
State Smart Transportation Initiative
www.ssti.us
608-263-9984 (o)
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