It was a very simple decision to make, but somehow Mayor Rick Green has managed to complicate it. Staff issued a report about upgrading the TransLink Major Road Network (MRN) now that the Golden Ears Bridge has been completed. Obviously the new bridge will impact the surrounding area and everyone knew this. As roads are placed into the MRN, TransLink is now responsible for paying the bills for those roadways.Green frustrated the decision-making process to place 208th Street into the MRN, that would also allow some truck traffic, by insisting on a public consultation process. These are issues that the average citizen does not understand the implications of. The decisions regarding the MRN are best left with professional staff and a sober second look from Council. This is how every other municipality handles MRN decisions.
The reality is clear to anyone that uses 208th Street. That reality is that currently more truck traffic travels along 208th Street with the massive ongoing construction than there ever will be with an MRN truck designation. Residents in and around 208th Street want the roadway widened to 4 lanes for safety and efficiency. As land must be acquired for a right-of-way along the route, the Township has no ability to pay this bill without help.
Mayor Green complains often about other orders of government "downloading" costs to the municipalities. In fact, he took a pop shot at the provincial government just this past Monday during his 2010 budget rant. So the socialist-leaning bailout rants go forth, but Green and others can't manage the millions that the GVRD has already! Can you imagine the nerve of government legislating health and safety? The nerve of them, right Mayor Green?
The BC Provincial government is under constant attack by Mayor Green. So here is the much-needed MRN expansion that is a no-brainer for most. There is money to make 208th Street safer and more productive. Money will flow from TransLink to pay for the much-needed infrastructure upgrades.
So why does Mayor Green oppose saving Township taxpayers millions by putting 208th Street in the MRN? He pouts when other governments say no - and when they say YES!