Here’s a measure to keep in mind as the referendum on transit funding proceeds.
The further away the local MLAs and Ministers try to stay from it, the more likely the loss.
This is the future of their region at stake. The commitment that local leaders like Sam Sullivan and Suzanne Anton in particular have made to Eco-Density – a compact, livable region with a high priority on transit – will be tested in their role as Liberal MLAs. Are they going to spend political capital to fight for its passage, or just take a ‘neutral’ stance. How close will they get as the consequences of win or lose go up?
You’ll be able to measure the distance in speeches, prepared statements and appearances.
If it goes down because of the way the referendum has been imposed, worded or rushed, will they accept any responsibility? And what would then be their Plan B?
Plan B? As if the world is going to end if extra funding for Transit does not get approved? I think not…As we are repeatedly told by traffic experts when road space gets taken away the traffic simply adjusts…Well if there is no extra funding for transit guess what’s going to happen? Traffic and people will adjust…In fact there is nothing to adjust to really given that there will be a status quo… What happened when we had 4 month transit strike back in 2001? Nothing…We adjusted…
A healthy transportation system is required for a healthy society and economy. “Plan B” is either to find another way to get a healthy transportation system or deal with an unhealthy one.