Chris Telfer, genius CPA from Bend City Council (and purveyor of wrong mileage info during the TDC Century ride) is thinking of running for state senate... http://www.ktvz.com/global/story.asp?s=7028883
Based solely on this article, I formed the conclusion that she drives a car and does not think in terms of alternative transportation. From the quick read, she is concerned with improving roads, presumably for vehicular traffic.
She has been a council member in Bend for two terms now, according to the article. According to the years I have lived there, I do not recall a time she touted anything other than pro-growth. And not even smart-growth, what I like to call dumb growth. How long did it take the city to put a fixed route system in place? How hard can it be to find the money (she _is_ a CPA) and then go spend the money? Now she will bring the pork back to Bend.
In a related news piece, http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070905/BIZ0102/709050359/1011&nav_category=
a few of the area's tourism heavyweights weigh in on the need for a better transport system, preferably one funded by the business community and/or the city. Because they cannot make money fast enough. Should the taxpayers foot the bill, so they can bring 1200+ ski groups to Mt. Bachelor? I know, I know, the money they spend while skiing all weekend, goes to local businesses, like Merenda, Bellatazza, and various gas stations. Oh and hotels. Those entities employ locals (even Bend locals occasionally). Just seems a little self serving.
A better bus system would be great. Even one that has buses that run, that are not parked permanently near a cemetery. Could they spend more money on roads to enhance cycling? Could they sidewalk Bend streets with that money? Ride down Newport, 14th, Century, various side streets...where are the sidewalks? Some streets are still gravel. What year is this?
This is the rambling I produce on Wednesdays, when I only have two classes.
Maybe Telfer would be a welcome breath of fiscal responsibility in Salem someday. But only if she gets the pork brought home, baby.
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I agree the lack of sidewalks in town is an interesting topic. Regardless if your on the side for change or not, safety for kids and pedestrians should be number one on the list as the area will grow regardless of what the city plans.
I assume the American Disabilities Act (or similar) will be thrown in sooner or later to insure new roads get built up to par with sidewalks.
The small carrier shuttle options for locals and visitors seems like its a good option for Bend as the big buses are too big for the little roads around here. Offering cleaner fuel alternatives would go well with the local environment too. :)
Hmm bike rentals at the resorts...
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