Well, folks, hang on for the ride. It appears that our own Don Quixote, County Commissioner David Madore, is taking us back into Columbia River Crossing fantasy land. This time, his idea is to build a bridge at the end of 192nd Street — you know, put it across the river there and let Oregon deal with what to do with it. But, once again, this proposed new bridge will not contain light rail. My question is, why on earth not?
Admittedly, I’m a relative newcomer to Clark County and Vancouver. Maybe that’s why I fail to see what the rational objections could be to light rail connecting Vancouver to Portland. Nearly every major metropolitan area in the country has light rail, which, if properly planned, the residents find to be convenient.
Seriously, I’m asking, what are your objections? And don’t bother responding with anything related to the old chestnut “crime train.” That is an urban legend that was probably created in the 1920s when the automakers successfully propagandized to get the mass transit interurban lines removed because they were cutting into their car sales.
Tom Fuelling
Vancouver
