Well, you did it.
Congratulations on your election.
And my condolences. The easy part
of politics is over: getting
elected. Now comes the hard part: being Governor.
I hope you and your transition team are already working
on that budget that’s due in three months.
There’s a lot of red ink ($4 billion) that needs to be
mopped up. And don’t forget those $80
billion in unfunded pensions. But I’m
sure you’ve got the solutions, right? That’s what you promised voters, anyhow. So have at it.
But as you are cutting and slashing, may I be so bold as
to make a few suggestions on the transportation front? Your campaign assured us you’d fix our roads
and rails, so I’m sure you have your ideas.
But let’s see if these are of any help.
1)
KEEP YOUR COMMISSIONER:
Jim Redeker has been CDOT Commissioner since 2011 and nobody knows
better what’s working and what isn’t.
He’s clearly the smartest guy in the
room and you need his experience and talents. Let’s not lose him to another state.
2)
FIX THE TRAINS FIRST: You
can’t keep high wage earners (and tax payers) living in Connecticut if
Metro-North continues its downward slide.
Getting trains back up to speed and on-time is crucial to the state’s economy.
3)
THEN IMPROVE BUS SERVICE: I
hope you realize that the CTFastrak bus rapid-transit system is hugely important
and not the “waste of money” your opponent claimed. Not everyone in this state owns a car. For the 15 million riders of that busway since
it opened, those buses mean being able to get to their jobs. That is what we want, right… people working?
4)
RIDE MASS TRANSIT: You
campaigned at train and bus stations, now why not get onboard? Set an example by taking the train from
Greenwich to Hartford and riding the bus with your constituents. See the conditions first hand.
5)
GET GOING WITH TOLLS: We
both know they’re inevitable, despite your opponents’ “tolls are a tax” lie
during the campaign. Let’s stop losing
revenue to out-of-staters and truckers and make them pay for driving on our
roads. Start with tolling trucks, though
I doubt that’s legal.
6)
HONOR THE LOCKBOX: Voters
have spoken loudly! The Special
Transportation Fund is now padlocked.
Don’t you dare think about picking that lock or letting the Legislature
touch those funds for anything but transportation.
7)
PLEASE BE HONEST: You
and your opponents glossed over the tough issues in the campaign, making vague,
general comments about improving our lives.
You got the job, so now don’t give us any BS. Tell us about the hard choices to come. Embrace the FOI act. Be open and transparent… and honest. We’re adults.
We can take it.
8)
DON’T ABUSE THE MAJORITY: Once again the Democrats are in full
control in Hartford. That’s a lot of
power in a few hands and your party’s record on “reaching across the aisle”
isn’t great. Our problems can only be
solved with bi-partisan cooperation, so please set the best example.
That’s enough for now.
Get some rest, maybe even a vacation, and we’ll talk again in the coming
months.
Best wishes,
Jim Cameron
“The Train Guy”
Posted with permission of Hearst CT Media
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