This week in Just This, Rick and I discuss Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s announcement that he and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff have formed a new nonprofit, ConnectSA, to help drum up public awareness of, and to advocate for, mass transit solutions in the San Antonio region.
Rivard Report Managing Editor and City Hall reporter Iris Dimmick reported that former Mayor Henry Cisneros, outgoing VIA Board Chair Hope Andrade, and former City Attorney Jane Macon will serve as chairs for the ConnectSA board, which also will include 20 to 25 County, City, business, and community leaders. The nonprofit group will review and consider various mass transit options as the City seeks to plan for significant traffic growth and congestion over the next two decades.
We talk about the process and politics behind developing voter buy-in for long-term mass transit projects when “smart” technology can make solutions outdated before they are built. And we look at two other stories worth your read.
Join us every Friday for Just This. Listen in, and send us your feedback. Just This, produced by Photo Editor Scott Ball, will be available here on the Rivard Report and on iTunes and Stitcher at 5 a.m.
While I understand the need to hear the voices from all constituencies – why another non-profit to accomplish this ? Where is the funding coming from for staff and overhead ?
Beth, I recommend that our local governments form a committee to answer your question. Just kiddin’ of course. The answer I believe has to do with optics to make it look like Ron and Nelson are taking action that will result in a positive outcome for the community. We really do not need a new non-profit to address mass transit and transportation. We need to start with a vision and common sense like mass transit to take people form where they live to where they work and to take tourists from where they lodge to where they visit. Also, encouraging developers to take mass transit into account in the design phase will help. How strange is it that if one wants to shop at the Rim, the design promotes hoping in your car and driving from store to store?
The podcast desperately needs a different name.
We should keep very watchful eyes on anything Henry Cisneros is involved with……… hmm, let’s see as Mayor he gave us the Alamodome dialing for $$$ to this day and major scandal of mistress and giving her money. As HUD secretary he had to step down due to his lying about money to this same “former” mistress during background check for his worthiness to be sworn in. Poor Mary Alice. Poor San Antonio, are we going to just be blind to his less than stellar record and his lying and continue to let him be a part of our City’s future? Of course, he was pardoned by the Clintons, ha! … from the same mold came the Castro twins and now Ron Nirenberg. If you dont remember him as Mayor anf HUD secretary, do a little research on his background!
… hmmm, painting with broad brushstrokes aren’t we, Jmf? Why not just say, “be wary of politicians and their motives”, and insist on transparency and accountability when the plan and its proposed actions-list come around.
Jonathan, took the words right out of my mouth, sorry, I was trying to be politically correct, didn’t want to offend anyone, and trying so hard to get along with everyone !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks