Dear Editor:
Re: “How can we escape gridlock’s grip?” Friday Focus: Sept. 14
I like to thank Bowin Ma for taking the initiative to get a diverse group of people together to try to solve our transportation woes. The report produced is but a first step in the process. The report brings awareness to the general masses of what is possible so we do not hang our hopes in some pie-in-the sky proposal. This process should be repeated in other areas of the Lower Mainland.The proposals, if taken up by municipalities, are but the low hanging fruit but nevertheless essential.
The bigger problem still exists, that is, the structure, governance and funding of TransLink. In studying the history of TransLink, I have determined that the problem has been political. Like too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the soup, too many layers of politicians has led to the present state of gridlock.
This cannot continue because the Lower Mainland is a very important economic contributor to the national, provincial and municipal economy. I think we now have the proper federal, provincial, and new incoming municipal governments to fix the problem for good.
The three levels of government must agree on a secure source of funding that is reviewed at regular intervals (not less than five years). Without this we continue with gridlock and inefficiency. Appoint a respected British Columbian (Jim Pattison and EXPO) as executive manager (EC) to lead TransLink. The EC will devise a governance system that is transparent and accountable; develop short, medium and long term plans to facilitate transportation of goods and people; and communicate progress and process to the taxpayers. Only then can we hope to minimize/eliminate gridlock and enhance our economy. Not taking a bold step similar to this will lead to the more costly, piecemeal completion of projects that we have now, with probably increased gridlock. Let us do it right for the sake of future generations.
John Consiglio
North Vancouver
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