Lars Larson takes Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek to task for her tactics designed to get more transportation dollars out of the Oregon State Legislature, which impacts the I-5 Bridge replacement project
Lars Larson
The Northwest Nonsense
Two weeks from now, Oregon holds a special session to do the work lawmakers couldn’t seem to get done in the six month regular session that ended just a few weeks ago.
Think about that for a moment.
And then think about Oregon Governor Tina Kotek using the following sleazy tactic to threaten taxpayers she supposedly serves
Announce you’re laying off hundreds of ODOT workers and that the things people depend on the most … solid roads and plowed snow in winter … will disappear if taxes don’t go up dramatically.
Then delay the layoffs to the end of the special session.
Message received … give us more money or else. Kotek is like that nightmare contractor who doesn’t get the job done on time … and then demands more money or he’s walking away to leave you with the mess.
In the meantime, check ODOT’s job postings.
Two of them jumped out at me … Project Delivery administrator 3 … a paper pusher and the gig lets you work from home. Salary, up to a quarter million a year. Director of External Affairs (whatever that is). Salary up to 200 grand … both plus benefits, generous vacation and a PERS pension.
So, ODOT is still hiring for the white collar jobs … even while it pleads poverty to fund the paychecks of blue collar folks who do the jobs we care about most.
Call your state lawmakers and demand they tell Kotek and company to live within their means … and you don’t appreciate the extortion tactics.
Also read:
- Opinion: The unpreferred and unaffordable Interstate Bridge replacement proposal
Rep. John Ley argues that the Interstate Bridge Replacement proposal is unpreferred, unaffordable, and failing to address congestion, cost transparency, and community concerns. - Opinion: IBR still holding and lying about coming billions in cost overruns
Joe Cortright argues that Interstate Bridge Replacement officials are deliberately delaying the release of an updated cost estimate that he says could push the project toward $10 billion. - Letter: A call for competent Interstate Bridge project management
Rick Vermeers argues that unchecked scope, rising costs, and missed timelines threaten the survival of the Interstate Bridge Replacement project unless light rail is removed. - Rep. John Ley introduces bill to balance representation on Washington transportation boards
Legislation introduced by Rep. John Ley seeks to change how transportation board seats are allocated and prevent funding penalties tied to population-based representation rules. - Opinion: IBR administrator receives generous Christmas gift on his way out the door
Ken Vance argues that IBR leadership avoided accountability on rising project costs as Administrator Greg Johnson announced his departure without providing updated estimates.
