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:
- Opinion: IBR’s evasive, misleading and dishonest excuses for higher cost
Joe Cortright argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program has withheld detailed cost estimates while offering contradictory explanations for rising costs tied to the I-5 Bridge project. - Rep. David Stuebe sponsors bill to strengthen enforcement of auto insurance laws and protect Washington drivers
Rep. David Stuebe has introduced HB 2308, a bill aimed at strengthening enforcement of Washington’s auto insurance laws and increasing accountability for repeat uninsured drivers. - Letter: Interstate Bridge Replacement’s Park & Ride insanity
Bob Ortblad criticizes the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s proposed Park & Ride garages, arguing the costs are excessive and unlikely to receive federal funding. - Letter: Interstate Bridge Replacement $13.6 billion estimate is too low!
Bob Ortblad argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s $13.6 billion cost estimate understates the true expense, citing comparable projects, construction challenges, and engineering assumptions. - Opinion: ‘The drama and the waste of taxpayer money continues’
Rep. John Ley outlines his objections to the approved fixed-span I-5 Bridge design, citing cost concerns, engineering standards, funding uncertainty, and opposition to light rail and tolls.
