A New Candidate

My campaign to become Portland's new at large school committee member has officilaly begun. The Bollard printed "Gardella, 28, is an artist who works at a senior living facility in the West End." This really is only the beginning. Look for the following editorial in this week's Portland Press Herald.

Friday Portland Metro officials had a public meeting to discuss the future of the Metro in Portland. Their interest in public opinion however is questionable. The meeting was not widely advertised not even a sign in front of the library (as is customary for public meetings). They did not advertise on their busses or at any of the stops either. They have chosen to limit the amount of public debate by scheduling only four meetings so far. The amount of debate at this first meeting made it clear four will not be enough. Half of the meeting was spent explaining statistics about riding populations in Portland. Not anywhere in their stats are public surveys. I was not certain they want to know what their riders think about their service. How can Portland become an efficient city when members of the public are discouraged from participating in public transit meetings? Oil prices will keep rising. We all should be served by the bus service if we are to use it. The bus routes need to make this feasible. The best possible routes and structure for the busses will come not from metro boardrooms but from members of the public. They are the ones who still use the bus.