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:
- 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. - Coast Guard approves fixed-span design for new Interstate Bridge
The U.S. Coast Guard has approved a fixed-span design for the new Interstate Bridge, clearing a major hurdle for the Interstate Bridge Replacement project.
