tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10833510.post8649280525480671378..comments2023-09-27T01:44:56.585-07:00Comments on Clark County Politics: Leavitt blows it again: instead of sniveling about the size of the bridge, he should be demanding that we get to vote.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10833510.post-85659938870296623372009-02-16T15:56:00.000-08:002009-02-16T15:56:00.000-08:00Uncle, Uncle, UNCLE Already!Again, I'll refer you ...Uncle, Uncle, UNCLE Already!<BR/><BR/>Again, I'll refer you to my blog...leavitt4vancouver.blogspot. for the details and accuracy of my position on the Columbia River Crossing.<BR/><BR/>My remark about a 'measly $3 billion" was a comment of sarcasm as related to the hundereds of billions the Feds are spending on financial bailouts...as accurately quoted (yes) in The Columbian article! Of course I know that $3 billion is a lot of money! Come on, now...<BR/><BR/>I'll remind you that I was Chair of the CTRAN Board of Directors who chose a CRC Locally Preferred Alternative that included #1) a restriction on the cost of light rail into Clark County (to be limited to what the Feds pay for...no additional local money from you, me and our neighbors to pay for construction cost); and #2) the voters of CTRAN will have the opportunity to decide on funding operations and maintenance of any high capacity transit coming into Clark County. Eight of the nine electeds on that Board (including the likes of Betty Sue Morris, Marc Boldt, and Jeanne Stewart). Again, details on my blog.<BR/><BR/>Lastly, if it's important for the blog to maintain some integrity, facts should be checked before statements made... <BR/><BR/>The current Mayor and I have both agreed and disagreed on many issues over the past 6+ years of my tenure on the Vancouver City Council. That is bound to happen, no?!? <BR/><BR/>I'll just point out some issues of recent difference in opionion. These noted below are related to fiscal matters of the City:<BR/><BR/>For example, three months ago, I voiced quite clearly my opposition to raising utility taxes on our citizens and businesses, imploring the Council to consider further trimming expenses in city government during this time when we are all 'tightening our belt'.<BR/><BR/>For example, six months ago, I offered an amendment to the CRC City Council resolution to remove an assumption of tolling on the proposed bridge project. Everbody but the Mayor supported that amendment.<BR/><BR/>For example, some year+ ago, I opposed an increase in sales taxes, imploring the Council to remain patient with all of the development occurring, as the City will get it's revenues on 'the back side' as retail sales increase.<BR/><BR/>These are but three of the more recent fiscal-related issues where the Mayor and I have not seen eye-to-eye.<BR/><BR/>There may be dislike for what we have agreed upon, but to suggest that we've never been in disagreement on issues is not factual.<BR/><BR/>I appreciate the dialogue, the opportunity to correct 'the record' and provide more clarity to my positions.<BR/><BR/>thanks much --<BR/><BR/>timTim Leavitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13917356189491441022noreply@blogger.com