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: ‘A more responsible approach must be sought’
Ken Vance argues a $10 billion funding gap makes the phased I-5 Bridge approach fiscally reckless, not responsible. - ‘Light rail to nowhere’? Surging costs undercut I-5 bridge transit plan
Vancouver’s promised light rail extension to Library Square has no timeline, and the waterfront station would sit 90 feet above ground. - Washington, Oregon transportation commissions to discuss Interstate 5 bridge tolling
Washington and Oregon commissions will jointly review I-5 bridge toll rate options and discount analysis on June 5. - County Public Works reminds residents to secure loads before hauling, to reduce dangerous roadside debris and litter
Unsecured vehicle loads cause more than 300 Washington crashes annually and dumped 150,000+ lbs of litter in Clark County in 2025. - Weekend paving work closes southbound I-205 entrance from I-5 in Vancouver May 29-31
Crews will use a smart work zone system with zipper merging to reduce delays during the I-205 closure.
