Joan Dykstra's blog

For those Saturday Night Live fans:

It was impossible to go back to sleep after the 5.2 earthquake shook the bed for at least 20 seconds. National news started reporting the moderate tremor immediately. But we shouldn't be too surprised by the seismic activity. Once the mighty Mississippi reversed direction because of a devastating earthquake.

UPDATE: 4.6 aftershock.

I found this Op-Ed piece about the CU-MTD on Friday’s News-Gazette Online. I didn’t see it in the printed News-Gazette and thought it was worth commentary. It is an accurate assessment of the future appointment of Tom Berns.

Back to the future for transit district
Friday February 15, 2008

It looks like more of the same at the Champaign-Urbana MTD.

Those who find the relationship between the management and board of the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District entirely too cozy won't take comfort in the latest appointment to the MTD's board of directors.

Former state Rep. Tom Berns, who served on the MTD's board from 1976 to 1986, is returning to fill the spot being vacated by the independent-minded Paul Lucas. Following nomination by Champaign County Board chairman C. Pius Weibel, Berns' appointment was approved last week by the board's appointments committee and will voted on by the full board Feb. 21. Berns was the only applicant.

Given all the controversy surrounding previous appointments, Weibel said he "thought some more people might apply." Two years ago, there were six candidates for two vacancies, with longtime MTD board member George Friedman's effort to win another term rejected.

So despite the controversy and pending litigation over the MTD's unpopular territorial expansion, either the critics don't care or they've given up trying to influence appointments. Given the depth of hostility, it's more likely the MTD's critics have given up on winning appointments of those skeptical of management. In the breakdown between MTD skeptics and cheerleaders, Berns would have to fall in the latter camp. Frankly, it's no surprise because people willing to serve believe in the importance of public transportation.

But the MTD's board has been legitimately criticized for extending Managing Director Bill Volk a double-digit employment contract and overseeing a generous pay package and an even more generous pension. As for policy issues, board members generated considerable ill will when they fell into line behind the MTD's forced expansion of its borders despite incredible hostility from residents who want neither the service nor the taxes that go with it.

Given his professional and personal relationships with MTD managers, it's hard to believe Berns will bring any change to the board's governance. But he should be encouraged to be skeptical. No management deserves a blank check from its overseers.

 

The MTD continues to be the one governmental body that somehow eludes the same scrutiny as other bodies like the Champaign and Urbana City Councils and the County Board. For example, the last MTD budget lists:

Dues and Subscriptions $ 48,000
Travel and Meetings $ 40,000
Public Information $ 125,000
Other Miscellaneous $ 48,000

These are just a few line items that seem excessive year after year (the salaries and benefits for the top administration is another attention-grabber). The only trustee that ever questioned the budget, Paul Lucas, has just retired. “No management deserves a blank check from its overseers” (N-G).  Once appointed by the County Board, MTD continues to rubber stamp the management and its checkbook. I wish I was more optimistic that the needed changes might happen.

Yesterday, the News-Gazette put the proposed county-wide sales tax on the front burner of discussion. The new law was brought to the attention of the district’s vision committee last month. Certainly, most citizens view sales taxes as preferable to the anathema of property taxes. For example, Savoy voters were swayed by the “outsiders will contribute” reasoning and approved a sales tax last Tuesday by 73.96%. But we also need a stable, reliable revenue source for schools throughout economic ups and downs.

This revenue stream can be used for any infrastructure, energy conservation, bond payments, as well as property tax relief. Laura Weis, Chamber president, wisely wants to see more details. The Chamber’s opinion of the tax will be weighed in light of the impact on the business community.

The bottom line for the majority of voters in the last school referendum was concern/confusion/outrage (depending on your perspective) over the expenditure of the tax money and other lack of confidence issues. It’s no different this time. If Unit 4, as the lead agent, can convince surrounding school district leaders to get on board, it may just fly.

My heart is heavy today. A dear friend of many years died suddenly on Tuesday. Ben Louis was a wonderful guy and well respected in the community. He was an outstanding Illini basketball player in the days of Harv Schmidt. We’ve known Ben and Judy since the late 70’s…church, school, kids, sports. They helped celebrate our son’s wedding last September with us. Their son, Ryan, was a groomsman.

Judy, Wade, Kara, Ryan, and Jared have endured more hardships than any family should be allowed, and with grace and faith. One of Ben’s best friends, Tim Johnson, will be a speaker tomorrow. Our prayers and love go out to you, Judy.

I tend to be a purist at primary time. I have always subscribed to the philosophy that the primaries are designed to vote for who you want to be president, not who you might get stuck with because they’re ahead in the polls. I have already voted and even though my candidate (Thompson) dropped out, I still wanted my conservative voice heard. After all, if I conceded to McCain, Romney or Huckabee, then the type of candidate I really supported might not run for office in the future (speaking now of philosophy, not campaign style).

Republicans have been particularly conflicted this year. I read a piece in Powerline that accurately expressed my fears:

Every time it looks like McCain will break away from the pack, I panic in anticipation of four years of watching him stick it to conservatives on a more than occasional basis. When things seem to be breaking Romney's way, I panic in anticipation of an electoral rout in November followed by four years of a Clinton or Obama presidency.

To Democrats, Hillary has so much baggage but Obama has huge vulnerabilities.
Are you voting for whom you think can win or who you would like to see in the White House?