"Pawlenty Takes Low Road on Transportation Issues" ~ Alliance For A Better Minnesota

[mzmolly]

http://www.allianceforabettermn.com/news_detail.aspx?id=40">ALLIANCE FOR A BETTER MINNESOTA

Existing Roads in Worst Condition in Decades, Tight Finances Delay Highway Construction: The state's decision to build with borrowed money and expected federal funding has led to deteriorating roadways. Existing roads are now in their worst condition in decades, according to the state Department of Transportation. The agency's cash balance dwindled from a $155 million surplus in 2002 to a deficit of $60 million before officials were legally required to get back in the black. According to the Star Tribune, tight finances are starting to delay highway construction, even on projects already underway. (Star Tribune, 7/4/06)

Governor Cut $20 Million In Road-Building Money: In 2003, Pawlenty used his emergency budget-cutting authority to cut $20 million in road-building money. (Associated Press, 2/7/03)

Pawlenty 2005 Transportation Plan Relied On Borrowing $4.5 Billion: In 2005, Pawlenty proposed a 10-year, $7.5 billion transportation package. The plan called for $2.65 billion by dedicating 100 percent of the motor vehicle sales tax (MVST) to transportation and $4.5 billion of borrowing to accelerate construction of major highway projects. Democratic lawmakers criticized Pawlenty’s reliance on borrowing to pay for road projects rather than looking for ways to raise more revenue. Pawlenty’s plan did not advance in the House or Senate. (The Legal Ledger, 1/24/05; Saint Paul Pioneer Press, 12/23/04; Star Tribune, 5/13/05)

Vetoed Transportation Bill: In 2005, Pawlenty vetoed a transportation finance bill that would have provided $7.8 billion over 10 years for roads, buses and passenger trains. (St. Paul Pioneer Press, 5/20/05)

Pawlenty Promised $2 Billion For Transportation In 2002 Campaign, Later Backed Down: During the 2002 campaign, Pawlenty promised $2 billion for transportation. He later said he lowered the amount in the face of the $4.2 billion deficit, proposing a $1 billion plan in 2003. (Star Tribune, 3/15/03)

Not to place blame, but Pawlenty may have some questions to answer. Republicans have failed America, again.

[smtpgirl]

1. AMEN!!

[lyonn]

2. The Governor of Minnesota, assumed it was Pawlenty, on TV today

Just caught the last few minutes of his speech concerning the bridge disaster. He looked sick and didn't seem to have much to say. This article may explain his pitiful performance.

[SoCalDem]

3. He will find a way to blame the wrestler.. (aside: Blue shirts must be the disaster dress code)

All the people in the press conference had the Bush-flop-sweat blue shirt..

[Deja Q]

9. No doubt. Given what a selfish piggy prat Ventura was, it might be accomplished too.

But to an extent. When it comes to maintenance, that is a continual process and the bridge was built before Ventura's time.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. I doubt his sick look was on account of guilt.

He's a Republican; they don't DO guilt. However, he might be feeling sick because he knows he's gonna get his scrawny ass kicked by some folks who'd like to know when he's going to stop fellating the Taxpayers' League and start allowing our disintegrating infrastructure to get some funding.

[mzmolly]

6. He was a bit defensive as well.

:(

[Deja Q]

8. Tom Barnard was whining this AM about how the government does is takes money and does nothing.

At times he says things that make sense.

That comment wasn't one of them. He's happily voted for the guy to run the state, and even when Pawlenty fails he'll still shove his tongue as far up as it can go. Doesh e not know Pawlenty has cut taxes, including funding for the DoT?

(No wonder the Onion made an article in 2005. They wouldn't pull satire out of thin air... they based their satire off the 2005 report saying the bridge needed serious repair or replacement. Damn it.)

[mzmolly]

11. Barnyard is an asshole. Can't stand that man.

Typical entitled fat-ass Republican. Sorry, nothing against fat asses, I'm just not up to being polite today.

Thanks for the info, can't say I'm surprised.

[Deja Q]

7. I think whoever pulled out that 2005 report got to him.

It was depressing to have read about the fact this morning. Why the hell didn't he (or the DoT) do anything? They knew the bridge needed structural repair, and some would even argue replacement.

I feel sorry for the guy, but his job is to follow up on the people he hires (DoT) to keen an eye and budget on this stuff.

And people aren't going to forget something like a bridge collapsing under his watch.

Meanwhile, we need that new stadium built. Build it away from all bridges. :eyes:

[mzmolly]

13. Yes the stadium contrast is indicative of priorities.

And no one KNEW they traveled that bridge at their own risk. People hauled their children over that bridge every damn day.

I'm so sad and disgusted. *sigh*

[KitchenWitch]

4. He sure does have some "'splainin' to do"

Damn his kowtowing to the Taxpayers League.

:nuke:

[mzmolly]

10. .

[DinahMoeHum]

12. Looks like the 'Puke pigs could get slaughtered in Minnesota in 2008.

We should change the name "Republican" to "RepubliCAN'T".

Because they can't govern.
They can't legislate.
They can't respond to disasters.
They can't fight wars.
And they keep making excuses why they can't do any of the above.

:evilfrown:

[mzmolly]

14. I'd like to see Norm and his big brand new teeth gone that's for sure.

Pawlenty will run out his term, and hopefully we'll get back to sanity here.