[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: It's all about Light Rail, isn't it?

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
It's all about Light Rail, isn't it?
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1203266102.shtml


   The Transportation Bill is front and center. We're all talking about
   what it is and isn't. It's going to be rammed through or be the focus
   of the their fall Legislative campaign. I've said this before, but I
   think we're still missing the point: Light Rail.
   Of course there's pork in the Transportation Bill and the Bonding
   Bill. But let's not hesitate to name the biggest slab by far: Light
   Rail.
   We have plenty of money for roads and bridges, particularly if the
   urban/rural allocation is adjusted by usage, not by politics. There's
   no need to raise taxes except for one reason: Light Rail.
   Maybe it's not getting much attention because our Prime Minister has
   been walking both sides of this street. He's agog about rail service
   from Big Lake and signed off on another $70 million for planning the
   Central Corridor line. As such, he can only so go far when demanding
   cost/benefit justification on all projects because in McCain fashion
   he went soft on: Light Rail.
   If I were a Legislator I would vote no on any bill containing money
   for any new Light Rail construction. We have to live with Hiawatha,
   and fund its endless deficits. But no more, please. For it sure looks
   to me like the biggest boondoggle in the 150 year history of Minnesota
   is: Light Rail.