I thought this might be of interest to you.
Olin Moore, Office of Congressman Martin Olav Sabo
Sheridan
---------------------------------------
NEWS from Congressman Sabo
Representing Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District
For Immediate Release
February 26, 2004
Sabo Urges Agreement on Metro Transit Contract
Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Martin Olav Sabo (DFL-Mpls.) today
released the following statement urging Metro Transit and their employees to
quickly reach agreement and avert a transit strike:
I have long supported transit as a wise and viable investment in
public transportation infrastructure. That is why I am deeply concerned
with the breakdown of discussions between Metro Transit and its employees.
Rising health care costs coupled with state and local budget cuts certainly
complicate negotiations. However, I urge both sides to return to the
bargaining table, because the consequences of their failure to reach
agreement will be serious and far reaching.
Not only will Metro Transit riders without cars have no options to
get to work or school, but all Twin Cities residents will be impacted by
increased traffic congestion and air pollution. Failure to avert a strike
also threatens to delay opening the Hiawatha light rail transit line; and
even more serious, it may negatively impact transit ridership well into the
future, jeopardizing development of other public transit projects in the
Twin Cities.
It is vitally important for future economic development in the
region that Metro Transit and its employees avert a strike so we can focus
our energies on improving commuter options, lessening traffic congestion,
and enhancing quality of life for all metro area residents.
On Monday, the 10-day cooling-off period ends, and Metro Transit
workers are legally entitled to strike. However, I hope both parties can
reach agreement before that deadline to ensure public transit service in the
Twin Cities is not interrupted, and to prevent permanent damage from being
done to Metro Transit's good name and solid reputation for quality public
transit services.
# # #
REMINDERS:
1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
before continuing it on the list.
2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html
For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract
________________________________
Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy
Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
