Northeast News
August 13, 2014

“You ain’t seen the last of Ernest T. Bass” harkened the infamous character from the classic Andy Griffith television series from the 1960’s. But like both Ernest T and Clay Chastain, this Mayor and his tax and spend accomplices from the city council just won’t give up. They want your tax money to implement an antiquated form of transportation down secondary arteries in Kansas City’s urban core.

The Mayor says it’s ridiculous to think that the rail issue will go away. No Mr. Mayor, what’s ridiculous is that you continue to turn your back on basic infrastructure needs in the city’s urban core. You and your cronies robbed PIAC of over $200,000 to fund your pet toy train project. The city council, led by Mensa boy Russ Johnson appropriated (some would say stole), over $8 million to send to Burns and McDonnell for design services on Phase II of the Streetcar. Last year, you and the council robbed the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority of over $7 million to fund this idiotic project that does nothing but line the pockets of your political cronies.

“The ballot was too confusing” streetcar proponents said, licking their wounds after last week’s sound defeat. Mr. Mayor said “you can’t fix what you can’t see,” whatever that means. Sadly, like Chastain and the ever recurring Ernest T. Bass, what you can’t see is that the voters of the city don’t trust you, the council or your tax and spend schemes that promise the moon. Here’s a novel thought, focus on basic infrastructure needs. Streets, sidewalks and streetlights are all in dire need of repair throughout the city’s urban core. Leave transportation planning to the experts and stick to basic infrastructure needs.

Oh, and when will we see the return of the funds the city “allocated.” Given we haven’t seen the missing $15,000 from Councilman Michael “sexy” Brooks, this newshound doubts we’ll see the return of the PIAC, ATA and allocated Burns and Mac cash.