I was hoping someone would comment on my previous post, a tweet from state Senator Jolie Justus in Jefferson City. It appears that the KCATA didn't send anyone to the Senate Appropriations Committee to request money for transit. St. Louis did.
I guess there was no comment because no one was surprised. Kansas City leaders have a history of being asleep at the wheel. It's also possible that the ATA folks didn't think the hearing was worth their time with the Republicans in such complete control in Jefferson City.
There is another possibility I'd like to put on the whiteboard. I present this in the spirit of brainstorming, fully aware that I haven't looked for evidence pro or con.
Does the KCATA get significant pressure to not ask for money? I'm going to call this possible. Local bigwigs routinely take stands against transit. Elected leaders recently tried to take money from a dedicated transit tax for traffic lights. In other words, people who are against transit are in good positions to make life difficult for the KCATA.
I ask, if anyone has evidence pro or con, post a comment?
Posts
3 comments:
directly from KCATA: they have a lobbyist, but they actually lose money by sending someone to jeff city for the paltry state aid they get (which was shrinking long before the economy went sour).
i understand it sends the wrong message, but when your business is providing transit then you should look out for that first.
the *city* should be there, no question. it's almost like KCMO thinks that because KCATA is a separate entity they deserve no lobbying help.
Truly, when someone in government is handing out money, the least you can do is show up, is it not? The KCATA should be spanked, someone reprimanded and they need to make plans that this and nothing like it get repeated again.
What's the job of their lobbyist for, anyway? And what was he or she doing that day that supposedly was more important than this?
KC Star? Care to get us some answers?
Kansas City is so far behind the 8-ball on public transit, it's almost comical.
Post a Comment