Byron Yankey's blog

Battle Lines Shaping Up: Transportation Taskforce

Near the end of a almost record breaking long legislative session a game of chicken emerged.  As the Governor signaled his resolve to find money for transportation, the veto stamp came out. From there a chasm was created between the House and the Senate as the "no taxes" and the "user fee" supporter postured for control of the final outcome. In a sincere effort to broker a solution, Governor Otter tried valiantly to use face to face meetings to turn dialog into solutions.  That unfortunately did not happen.
The result was the creation of a task force to find a way to deal with a $22 million shift.
This money funds $18 for the Idaho State Police and the remainder for the Department of Parks and Recreation.

It will come down to finding a compromise, something that does not seem any more likely now than it did during the legislative session.

Commuters love/hate relationship with I-84

I-84 has been in the news a lot recently. Ground breaking for a new interchange,a transportation task force and temporary closures. Until the last week I had only a few hard feelings about that necessary artery between Nampa and Boise.

Driving the freeway between 5:30 and 6:30 in the morning during the school year has been quick and uneventful.  Sure there were those few commutes in the winter that took me nearly 90 minutes to get to work, but what the heck, it was winter and everyone was driving reasonably. And coming home at night between 5:30 and 6:30 is often like joining a parade, but for the most part the stop and go traffic allowed me the opportunity to decompress from work, play music louder than normal, listen to the news and yes; this is a confession, talk on the cellphone.

Over the last week, my feelings have changed.  First, there was the two nights I was coming home from Ada county after late night meetings.  I expected no traffic and a very easy drive,after all it was 10:30 at night. But no, that did not happen.  Instead the traffic was slow and go, stop and go as drivers were distracted by the huge trucks and equipment with enough flashing lights to be on The Strip in Las Vegas as construction crews working feverishly.

Next there was the two mornings I needed to be in Meridian at 9:00. Both mornings I was treated to a twenty minute wait as fender benders were cleared from the Garrity on ramp. Much of that wait time I debated, "Should I get off and take a secondary road?" or not. If I do, which one?  The four way stop on Franklin at the Cheese factory was backed up nearly to Walmart.  The secondary roads on the south side of the freeway have detours and construction that are unpredictable. So I waited on the freeway, contributing to the poor air quality with all the other drivers.

Traveling at a snail's pace allows you a glimpse into the lives of other commuters.  I've seen a young woman perform a complete make over; hair, eye make up, lipstick, blusher, change of ear rings all while texting someone.I saw a man change his shirt,(thank goodness he had on a t-shirt) and tye a tie.  Two teens opened their sunroof and took turns poking their heads up.  A number of vehicles vibrated from their mega sound systems.  And then there was the array of breakfast foods being eaten in between gulps of coffee. The last and truly amazing thing I saw was a man reading a magazine propped up on his steering wheel.

Such are the adventures of a commuter...  

Transportation Smack Down

It's just getting crazier.  Governor Otter is asking between $75 to $80 million for transportation.  The last best offer from House Majority Leadership in about $30 million.  That seems to be a long way apart.  In my career on occasion I have used a strategy I call consensus by exhaustion.  It seems like that same strategy is being used by both sides.

Late this afternoon the drama continues.

Jason Kreizenbeck, Otter's chief of staff, said the House's current plan is not enough.

"He needs something more around $80 million," Kreizenbeck said. "The goal here is to find as stable, predictable, long-term revenue source that is based on a user-pay philosophy."

Senate Assistant Majority Leader Joe Stegner said, “The governor hasn’t changed his resolve to have a fuel-tax bill this year.”

Stegner, R-Lewiston, was one of four Republican senators who met with Otter for an hour Monday afternoon.

“He expressly indicated to us that he is as committed today as he was last week that he wants the transportation-funding issue solved this session with a dedicated source to do it,” said Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, the Senate majority leader.

Local option tax

Intriguing headlines in the Idaho Statesman this morning. Local option taxing without a constitutional amendment has to be a option. Without the state and local government working together, there is be not long term solutions for our transportation woes.

Governor's Transportation Plan

Governor Otter is sending up a trial balloon when it comes to one of his top priorities; transportation.

The Spokesman Review reports,

"Despite the state’s gloomy budget situation, Gov. Butch Otter says he’ll still press forward with his proposal to increase the state’s transportation funding, saying in a down economy, it’s especially important. He’ll present lawmakers with a “user pay” proposal, he said, “for their consideration and hopefully their approval.” Keeping the state’s roads in shape is key to both the economy and safety, Otter said. After the governor’s press conference, Senate President Pro-Tem Bob Geddes said, “I think the governor’s correct in that effort, because obviously we can’t afford to see our transportation infrastructure crumble and fall into disrepair. … We have to protect what we have.” Geddes said lawmakers are unlikely to consider as large a boost as Otter proposed (unsuccessfully) last year, $240 million. “But will he get some? I think that potential is pretty much there.”

I agree with the Governor that even in this tough economy, improvements in our transportation system are imperative.  It will test the creativity of the Governor and the Legislature to craft a palatable solution.  It will take statesmanship and not partisan politics.

Undoubtedly,a small increase in the gas tax will be a piece of the puzzle.  Even with lower gas prices recently, consumption remains comparatively lower than previous years.  Lower consumption is a good thing, but it also means the amount of taxes collected is also lower.  Local option taxing without a constitutional amendment needs to remain a tool for communities.  A small increase in auto registration fees seem to appear in everyone's crystal ball.  All in all, the best decisions will be made with the input of those most affected by the outcome. Plan to let your lawmakers know your opinions. They work for you.

Let's drive to Lewiston for a tank of gas...

 

Gas slides below $2 again in the Valley. I saw it for myself last night at a Maverick Station (otherwise known as a Palin Station) on the corner of Locust Grove and Overland.  Gas there was $1.99. All of this is amazing to me give the short time ago the price was so much higher.  And to add to my amazement:

A Lewiston Flying J reported one of the lowest prices in the state: $1.69 per gallon.

I know where I'm filling up this weekend.

Vision for the Valley

The Idaho Statesman's editorial project, Vision for the Valley, deserves recognition for its focus on the future; our future. It is often too easy for people and policy makers, cities and counties, businesses and states to react from a sense of urgency and loose sight of long term visions and priorities. The results can be changes in direction that move us further and further away from those things we once valued.

I believe the best decisions are made by the people who are most affected by the outcome.  Here is your chance. Be a part of this project by sharing your perspectives and ideas. I know I will; after all, public policy should be set by the public.

Bridge Safety

I believe Walt Minnick is right when he says, "My guess is, almost 100% of the people of Idaho want structurally deficient bridges repaired as soon as we can."   Sali voted against an appropriation bill that would have provided $1 billion to repair bridges across the nation.  All of the Idaho Department of Transportation "road shows" being held across the state emphasize the need for additional funds for roads and bridges. Thank goodness he was once again in the minority and the appropriation passed.

Innovative Marketing

In this time of high gas prices, who would not read this article after seeing the headline on the front page of the Idaho Press Tribune?  Want free gas? Drive a "moving billboard"

Talk about creative. These promoters know how to appeal to advertisers and drivers.  I have seen a few of these vehicles on Eagle Road and they make me chuckled.  I guess this concept works.  Imagine a large SUV wrapped with larger than life pictures of Bush and McCain.  This could be a new concept in political advertising, or it could increase the incidents of road rage...

Regional Solutions for Regional Problems

The Idaho Statesman: "Ozone is in the air. Unfortunately, there isn't much urgency in the air."

Read this editorial! During the last month our pollution problem can literally be seen whenever you step out your door.  There is a clear and apparent need for cities and counties in our valley to cooperate with the state to find solutions for our ozone problem.  Idaho has long taken pride in finding "Idaho solutions" instead of waiting for Federal intervention. Now is the time for us to find regional solutions for this regional problem.  I believe the talent and expertise exists to begin reducing our ozone.  Having said that, the question arises, " Do we have the political and public will to even begin?" 

I say we can not wait.