Posts Tagged ‘Transportation’

Eliot Responds to Request for Comment on Democrat’s Proposed ‘Jobs Bond Package’ (Augusta Insider)

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Derek Viger from blog Augusta Insider recently asked for Eliot to comment on the $99.2 million “jobs bond package” proposed by Maine’s Democratic leaders. Below is Eliot’s response:

Borrowed money isn’t free.

We need to pay it back, and we need to pay interest on the debt. That is why I believe that every cent we invest in roads, rail, and other infrastructure projects – whether from tax revenues, from Federal funds or from the proceeds of bond issues — should reflect decisions made in the context of a capital budget that sets priorities and that seeks to leverage Maine’s competitive advantages. That is the way to maximize job creation and economic development. And that is the kind of disciplined stewardship of their tax dollars that Maine people need and want.

Sen. [Libby] Mitchell and the Democrats haven’t told us very much about the projects that they want to fund with this bond issue. I know as well as anyone that many of Maine’s roads and bridges need repair, and the threatened loss of rail service in northern Maine is a grave concern for all of us. Yet, many Maine cities and towns have projects in mind that they would nominate for consideration in a special bond issue, but I suspect that they have not be included in this process. That’s the problem, and that’s a real issue.

There may well be elements of this proposal that deserve support, but I would want to be assured that they have been carefully considered in terms of priorities and impact. I don’t see any rational, disciplined process behind this proposal. Frankly, I wish that the Democratic leaders would also put a real effort into making Maine a more affordable and inviting place to do business. That would really create lasting jobs.

I also want to be assured that this new proposal is fully aligned with the bond package approved by the Legislature last June, the first installment of which was approved by the voters in November, and not simply added on top of that package for short-term political gain.

You can read the complete article here with Eliot’s comments highlighted in yellow.

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Transportation Policy and Environmental Sustainability

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Eliot recently received the following question on Facebook from Markos Miller. We thought that it was intriguing and the question and answer were both worth posting here on our site.

THE QUESTION

How would your administration address land use and transportation issues so that we protect rural Maine, strengthen urban centers, and invest in more sustainable forms of moving people and goods?

- Markos Miller

ELIOT’S ANSWER

Markos,

As the recent abandonment of substantial trackage in northern Maine demonstrates, “sustainable forms of moving people and goods in Maine” largely will depend on a well-maintained system of roads. It is hard to imagine that widespread mass transportation — whether by bus or rail — will be self-supporting, cost-effective and “sustainable” in most parts of Maine. The more heavily urbanized counties in the southern part of the state may be an exception to a limited degree, and we should pursue these options where they can be cost-effective and sustainable, but the fact is that most Mainers and our principal industries, such as tourism, will continue to depend on the quality of our roads.

Having said that, it is important to acknowledge that not all roads are the same; roads are precursors to, attractants of and instruments of growth as much or more than the other way around. This means that we need to use roads in Maine as much as possible as levers, along with other tools, to try to channel growth in ways that protect the integrity and character of rural Maine and our cities and towns. I helped write the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act and the Water Quality Act, and I helped to protect Section 4(f) of the Highway Act. I have fought numerous battles across the country in cases involving both good roads and bad, good planning and bad. Believe me, I know the difference, and I understand the importance of sound transportation planning.

I have no interest in going to Augusta just to maintain the status quo. We can do things better and smarter in a whole host of areas, including transportation policy. You obviously have strong feelings and interest in this area and I welcome your ideas.

Eliot

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BLOG: Enough is Enough!

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

If this is what bi-partisanship is all about – bitter partisanship coming at us in stereo from loudspeakers on both the right and the left sides of our national living room – then I say enough is enough.

The last two years have been exceedingly difficult for most Americans and most Mainers. Many of us are without work. Many of us can’t afford to pay our debts, heat our homes, or pay for healthcare.The Congress can’t seem to find the only handle that matters on the healthcare front , the one thing that most needs to be fixed — the fact that the current system is perfectly geared only to force consumer costs higher.  Meanwhile, here in Maine the legislature is struggling to figure out where to find enough money to pave our roads — but without any evident leadership from the Governor.

These aren’t partisan issues. These are issues about making America work right again. We need some non-partisanship for a change.

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