This Week in the Mercury
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Politics Bob Stacey Campaign Kick-Off: Nix CRC Plan, Expand Bus Rapid Transit
Posted by Sarah Mirk on Thu, Oct 8, 2009 at 1:16 PM
There were no hipsters smoking on the corner outside Holocene yesterday evening. Instead there was fancy garlic cheddar. And figs. And over 100 supports of former 1000 Friends of Oregon director Bob Stacey, who was kicking off his candidacy for Metro president and celebrating his 60th birthday at the venue usually home to events like Gaycation.
One thing is clear—the other candidate in the race, Rex Burkholder, is going to have a tough time beating Bob. The list of big-name politicians who turned up last night to endorse Stacey is intimidating: Governor Barbara Roberts, Oregon House Majority leader Mary Nolan, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler, State Rep Greg MacPherson, Steve Novick. Add in the support of bajillionaire wine-maker Eric Lemelson and Stacey's got quite the campaign.
Though, as Novick said last night, both candidates will have a tough race for reasons that have nothing to do with them. "This is a really difficult race because there are only 237 people in the metro region who have ever heard of Metro. And most of those people are in this room," said Novick at the kick-off.
Like Burkholder, Stacey is a cyclist with a strong environmental reputation. But there's one big issue that separates the two candidates: the Columbia River Crossing (CRC). Burkholder supports the bridge. Stacey was one of the first civic leaders to come out swinging against the 12-lane plan. Stacey made the CRC the crux of his speech and I'm sure it will be the central issue of the campaign.
One of Stacey's campaign promises revealed last night (more of those below the cut) is that he will convince Metro to withdraw support of the current CRC plan.
- I told you there were figs. And "garlic cheddar."
That CRC stance was a big factor in Ted Wheeler's endorsement, at least. Wheeler says Stacey contacted him about two weeks ago seeking support. "I think he has a clear understanding of the needs of the local jurisdictions on the CRC. He has a clear understanding that the project as currently conceived is too grandiose and he's open to ways of reducing the cost," says Wheeler, explaining his decision to endorse Stacey.
Also in Stacey's campaign platform: move focus from light rail to bus rapid transit! That's sure to make some waves. Keep reading for more on Stacey's campaign promises.
I was surprised that Stacey laid out so many specific (and controversial) campaign points at his first official candidate speech. What about the typical campaign vagaries? What about wiggle room? What about flip-flopping? Anyway, here's the main points I condensed from his speech, which wrapped up with a 60th birthday cake that everyone ate with their hands.
• Keep the Urban Growth Boundary where it is, even though the region is expecting a million new people over the next decade. "If those million new folks are going to drive to work every day, then we better spend $4.2 billion to build that 12 lane bridge. If they're going to live in sprawling suburbs, we better pave over some of the best farmland in the world," said Stacey, instead promising smart growth.
• New development should pay into a fund to protect farmland. Also, "put an end to the destructive policy in Metro that sacrifices 34,000 acres of farmland to be converted into subdivisions. I won't stand by and let 1/5 of Washington County land be converted into sprawl."
• Insist that new development include affordable housing. "It works in the Pearl District, it ought to work in every part of the region."
• Cut back on planned light rail projects and invest in bus rapid transit. "We need to make investments more cost effective and extend more service sooner." Update 1:56 PM: Bob Stacey clarifies that he does not support cutting any of the planned light rail projects, but instead making them more cost efficient somehow and putting the savings toward bus rapid transit.
• Withdraw support for the CRC and restart the bridge's planning process.
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The idea of rapid bus transit over light rail sounds great! Imagine if they had done that instead of the green line. Millions under budget and up in half the time.
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Come on, folks, get out and ride some 'cross!
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