Lars Larson shares his disappointment after Republican gave up his vote despite testimony from 4,000 citizens against it
Lars Larson
The Northwest Nonsense
Now, we must wait more weeks to find out if representatives in Salem who do not listen to citizens will pass the biggest tax hike in Oregon history.
One Democrat is sick and can’t make it so the Senate vote on the package is delayed. Democrats need every vote they’ve got to jam this nightmare tax increase through.
Over the weekend, one Republican gave up his vote despite testimony from 4-thousand citizens against it.
Ten minutes on the radio yesterday with Tillamook lawmaker Cyrus Javadi only leaves you more confused about why in the world he voted for it.
Javadi says (quote) “we gave ODOT plenty of money” and “we still have the same traffic problems” and “I don’t trust ODOT” and “I hate taxes”.
But Javadi voted yes anyway.
He admits ODOT has deceived citizens by lowballing huge projects that then rack up hundreds of millions in cost overruns.
No one at ODOT gets fired.
He admits the Rose Quarter I-5 widening is a functionally dead project.
Interstate Bridge replacement project, much the same.
ODOT committed hundreds of millions to one and a billion to the bridge.
So why not shift that money to immediate critical needs like highway maintenance and winter snow plowing.
I asked Javadi why he would instead give MORE money to people he says he doesn’t trust at ODOT who have lied to citizens.
Javadi says that’s a good question but he doesn’t have the answer.
Also read:
- 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. - Update: Belkot’s legal team submits sheriff’s report to its case against Clark County Council
Michelle Belkot’s legal challenge against the Clark County Council advanced after a sheriff’s report alleging rule violations was accepted into evidence. - Opinion: ‘If you tolerate lies and dishonesty from the government, you’re guaranteed more’
Lars Larson criticizes state officials for refusing to disclose updated cost estimates for the Interstate Bridge Replacement project, arguing that a lack of transparency guarantees further government dishonesty.
