Postby HiawathaGuy » July 12th, 2016, 8:23 am
There are a lot of generalizations going on over the past few comments.
First, it's important to remember that we have a very productive Metropolitan Council, that whether you believe it or not, has afforded the State a means forward that many other similar-sized metro areas do not have. Should you be frustrated? ABSOLUTELY! But you're preaching to the choir here - especially when commenting on a Star Tribune article. The GOP at the State level is simply following the National mantra - Obstruction. It's something they've found works incredibly well, to convince voters that they're "looking out for their best interests", all while being able to point the finger at Dems and say "It's all their fault." Thankfully, it seems the writing is on the wall with this, as this nonsense is losing steam. If voter turnout is high this fall for Dems, which is expected, and anemic for the GOP - there will be a very large blood bath. People are sick of hearing words and not seeing action. The same goes for Minnesota. There is strong support for increased spending on roads/bridges/transit statewide. Yet the GOP continues to stonewall any progress, specifically on transit. If history is any indication, they will not fare well this fall, as the good people of MN tend to not like people obstructing progress.
It's also important to remember that there is opposition to transit in Denver & Seattle, and elsewhere - they've just done a better job with creating an actionable timeline for the increased spending, and voters have approved it. We haven't had that option here, because our system is set up differently. But that doesn't mean we are behind the curve. Plenty of other peer cities don't have the successes and progress we're making. Detroit/Milwaukee/KC/St Louis/Cleveland/Cincinnati/Nashville/Charlotte, etc. None of them seems to be as strong as we are. And Denver and Seattle have natural attributes to attract millennials more than transit does. And if you haven't been to Seattle - I'm not sure I'd agree that their system is 'better' than ours. Portland I would say is better, for the size of their metro. Denver's system, while impressive in coverage and scope, is not something I'd want to see emulated here. I think our planned system is far more beneficial long-term.
Anyhow, my point - it's important to understand all the factors into things. If you're pissed about the GOP blocking transit progress, get involved with groups advocating change. Make sure each and every one of your like-minded friends turn out to vote this fall. That's the only way we're going to change the status quo.
