Déjà vu all over again and again

 

This interesting bit of information crossed our desk the other day:
“The Mid-Hudson region lacks an integrated transportation network that ties together its major population areas with centers of commerce. Additionally, the existing transportation systems are fragmented, as is the planning for future transportation systems.

“With a vision to the future, the Mid-Hudson Valley needs to be viewed as (a) cohesive economic, social and cultural center which requires an integrated transportation network in order to attain success in the early 21st century.

“Of special importance is the need for an integrated transportation network to link the major urban centers in the northern and southern sections of the Mid-Hudson region.”

Nothing new there you say. And you are right.

The date of this document? Nov. 8, 1995.

It was put together by Mid-Hudson Pattern for Progress.

So much for progress; more like retrogress. In gauging the speed at which the transportation issues are being addressed in this region, the word glacial-like comes to mind.

Imagine if lawmakers and other elected officials took action on this 13 years ago? The current gas crisis would have no untoward effect on this region since most workers would be commuting via mass transportation. Imagine trains, buses and light rail rather than the curse-laden Palisades and Taconic parkways, I-684, 287, Thruway and of course, the Tappan Zee. If Minneapolis and St. Paul can do it, can’t we?

But you know why it didn’t happen here? No one cared. Residents didn’t care because gas was cheap compared with today’s prices. Elected and nonelected officials didn’t care because gas was cheap. There was no one prodding officials to take action on mass transportation answers for this region.

Economic development officials should have complained loudly and often and then dug their spurs into the ribs of those in charge at the Department of Transportation. But not just the DOT, the county executives, the state lawmakers, federal lawmakers – fire ’em all if they cannot provide proof that they did anything positive to move forward on fixing our mass transportation mess over the last 13 years.

We all know who was around in 1995 in positions to make a difference. Why didn’t they? Ask them. Send an e-mail. At the next business function walk up to them and look them square in the eye and ask them.

See if you can make them squirm.

Legacies are something we have talked about before on these pages. What are your legacies ladies and gentlemen of the halls of government?

Are you really proud of your accomplishments?

Do you really like the fact that the transportation mess for this region is no better than it was in 1995?

Are you proud you did nothing; squandering years over inconsequential matters?

The lackadaisical attitude has to be tossed. “Political leader” is no longer a compound modifier; it has become an oxymoron, heavily weighted on the second syllable.

Let us hold our officials accountable. And let us also hold ourselves more accountable for our actions and inactions.

 

 

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