Mcfarlane doesn't just trample over his employees-he trampels on the weakest of citizens-THE DISABLED

I wish to start this letter by thanking you for the opportunity to testify before you at the council meeting June 27. I believe the issues I was addressing before you, youth fares, and deception by TriMet leadership of importance. Moreover, however, needed/mandated the stopping of the continued deception at the hands of TriMet leadership. Unfortunately though, deception etc all too believable and real.
That the issue of deception perpetrated by TriMet leadership with Mayor Adams nothing short of exhaustively underlining what we, people with disabilities and others have been enduring for way to long. Clearly dealing with the TriMet Board, board members individually, and certainly TriMet management besides being more and more difficult to deal with due to ongoing arrogance, mistruth, inept knowledge of the consequences of their actions, and at times – too often – blatant lying. That ongoing behavior of deception exhaustively clear due to past, ongoing, and certainly perceived ongoing patterns of deception absolutely believable, (Why should Mayor Adams be treated any differently than the rest of us…) thus, city council members, needed, you better get any commitments from TriMet leadership in writing and signed.

I will not be able to attend the July 25 council meeting; I will be out of state on vacation. The July 25 meeting as you know youth pass issue scheduled to be before you. And, once again if it comes to a vote I ask that you remember threats by TriMet leadership, thus, according to TriMet leadership that if youth passes reinstated more fare increases and more cuts to service, I hope in some manner you can address this. We cannot afford more service cuts while TriMet leadership wanting us to pay even more. Please keep me advised as to progress on the youth pass issue as well as any more fare increases along with more cuts to service…

Additionally, TriMet leadership continues unfairly discriminating against some people with disabilities with unjustified fare increases. The next two-years fare increases for people without disabilities 1-fare-increase voted in, and, 2-increases voted in for people with disabilities needing/qualified for LIFT Paratransit service, thus, again, TriMet’s most vulnerable customers, LIFT Paratransit customers’ two fare increases voted on and passed. Yes, this year a 30-cent increase and next year at least another 30-cent increase already approved and more than likely, again even more of an increase next year coming. This means at a minimum TriMet’s LIFT Paratransit customers are facing, again at a minimum a 60-cent increase for service: ALONG WITH, cuts to LIFT service starting this September. Pay more and get less if you can afford to pay the new fares. TriMet leaderships’ disgraceful ongoing practices without a doubt, unfortunately legal, however, cuts and higher fares not mandated, and certainly not moral – pricing people with disabilities off due mandated LIFT Paratransit service. Simply, at the hands of TriMet leadership people with disabilities are being handicapped. (I would be pleased at your convenience to discuss what is going on in more detail, just ask…, I can make myself available prior to July 25 and again after August 6. ...And, if you see fit to, invite Neil McFarlane to join us, he has been avoiding me long enough and truly he has no meaningful rebuttal for the lies etc, excuses no longer acceptable, he needs to be held accountable, not sure how but needed is accountability…)

Council members, while some of the language in this document and the attached document could be considered harsh, but needed, the truth coming out without being disguised, it is past time to tell it as it is. While I would prefer painting a picture of a caring, well-managed, truthful, and respectful TriMet with the current TriMet leadership I cannot. I hope you; Portland City Council Members will become our champions. We are your constituents without teeth, without respect from TriMet management and I implore you to use your teeth and help
mold a needed better TriMet. Additionally, and unfortunately, there is no one that is part of TriMet leadership that can be held accountable. We certainly cannot vote them out of office; ability to vote them in and out of office should be our right, TriMet mostly operating with taxpayers’ money and without our right to choose our representation, the United States of America?

I look forward to your wisdom and diligence assuring fairness for all people. And, once again, I ask for your support for people with disabilities, you, please, become our champions, ensuring equity and affordable public transportation in the Portland area.

Sincerely,
Michael Levine, APD