Regan responds to Press editorial

Chairman Brent Regan of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee responds to Coeur d’Alene Press editorial castigating local Republicans for opposing the Riverstone Citylink Transit Center:

It’s disappointing the author didn’t bother to get their facts in order before writing this editorial. KCRCC does not oppose funding Public TRANSPORTATION for individuals who have a legitimate requirement to get from point A to point B but otherwise lack the means to do so. The KCRCC membership is concerned that moneys spend on the Transit Center administrative building will not be available to provide service. The $336,272 allocated to the Transit Center equals over 215,000 CitiLink rides (17 months’ worth). They have this money to spend on the Transit Center administration building (for coun ty staff, not riders) yet they are considering reducing service and charging fares. Riders at the Transit Center will enjoy outside unheated “shelters” and listen to “elevator music” to discourage loitering.

As for crime, a public records request reveals the Spokane Transit Center, over an 8 month period, had 646 calls to 911 for service (theft, assault, rape, disorderly conduct, etc.). That is 80 per month, nearly 3 per day. The STA wants express service to CDA.

The Press bemoans a lack of community involvement and then when people do get involved they cry “Why jump up and holler.”

Like I said. Disappointing.