Peter Vevang writes: I see no reason to tear apart the city for this pitifully small increase in highway capacity being proposed by Mn Dot. We gain nothing substantial by doing this.
RL: Bravo, Mr. Vevang! We will only change course if more and more people become enlightened to the waste of continued spending of our precious transportation dollars on woefully inadequate freeway "solutions". I totally dig the plural pronoun "we" PV uses above. I am sure he is indicating the collective "we, the people". PV again: we will suffer economically and culturally. RL: Not to mention the negative health and environmental impacts in our city and region. Also, let's please be aware which segments of our population are being most affected. PV once more: We need transit much more than the outlying suburbs do RL: Though we in the city may be more aware of the urgency to dramatically increase transit modal choice and service, it may have greater effect if we increase transit service in the suburbs. The most effective congestion mitigation happens BEFORE a person drives their car onto our city streets. I serve on several regional transportation bodies with many local, county, regional and state elected and appointed officials. The consistent message from the rural, suburban and urban representatives, across party lines, is "More Transit!". It amazes me that the Commissioner of MnDOT, the Governor, and key legislators can continue ignoring us. This is partially a result of the lack of political common ground in our state today. Also, I believe this is in part caused by the blurring of executive and administrative powers in St. Paul: MnDOT Commissioner + Lt. Governor = Inaction without accountability. The 2006 election cycle will be our best bet to change this. Let's use the 2005 municipal election season to increase our political/organizing strength and build momentum for next year. Yours, Robert Lilligren Council Member Ward 8 Candidate Ward 6 Phillips West REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
