How TriMet closes the potential new $5 million budget gap is already in dispute. One rider advocacy group, OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon, says TriMet's board has promised to take the money out of its $20 million contingency fund.
"That's the reason they gave for keeping the $5 million in the contingency fund, in case the union wins the arbitration," says Jonathan Ostar, OPAL's executive director.
Stedman says that is a misunderstanding. He insists that contingency funds can only be spent on one-time shortfalls, not ongoing expenses.
Do you know what he just said? He is arguing that this is not a shortfall.That's the stupidest statement I have ever heard. Well what would be a shortfall if this isn't it? (Maybe a WES bailout)
I actually can't think of anything more appropriate than using contingency funds to keep service rolling instead of whining about your contract. The next contract is forthcoming, solve your problem then and stop trying to create enemies.
3 comments:
That's why Farlane hired him, so he doesn't have to look the fool.
It didn't work.
Definition of "one-time shortfall":
1. Purchase Budd RDC cars from Alaska Railroad.
2. Install a "Quiet Zone" in Tualatin.
3. Replace the brand new horns on WES with ones not as loud.
4. Buy new fuel filters for WES.
5. Install gates along the MAX line.
6. Install crossing signals along the MAX line.
7. Install CCTV cameras along the MAX line.
8. Repaint MAX shelters.
9. Fix MAX track bumpers and LRVs caused by Operators (whose names have yet to be announced publicly in a TriMet press released distributed to the media and posted at www.trimet.org) think they're driving a D8.
10. Redecorate Neil's office.
11. Relocate Neil's office.
12. Diversity Manager.
13. Safety Manager.
14. Promote some Managers to Directors.
15. Reshuffle the deck chairs on the Titanic.
16. Repaint bus 2101.
17. Kindles. (To give away as a contest for WES riders.)
18. Free TriMet passes.
19. Advertise WES.
20. Buy signs that read "#1 Transit"
21. Remove the signs in #20.
22. Install signs on the back of buses that say "What's great about this place" and have a picture of gravestones in a cemetery.
23. Install signs on the side of buses promoting the Transit...no, Light Rail Bridge. (We didn't really say transit.)
24. Open up a project office for MAX.
25. Buy, and then tear down a building on 17th Avenue.
26. Buy some Ford Escapes.
27. Buy some Chevrolet Equinoxes.
28. Sponsor RailVolution in Los Angeles. Pay for air fare for a bunch of people to go there (and presumably their families to go to Disneyland too.)
29. Fix a bridge on the Willamette Shores Trolley Line.
30. Pay for Streetcar planning to Lake Oswego.
31. Lobby Vancouver to want light rail.
32. Hire lawyers to threaten to sue Clackamas County.
33. Pay for Neil to drive to City Hall to whimper in King Sam's presence. (Dude, the bus goes right there!)
It's getting late, so I'll think of more tomorrow.
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