Last week I wrote a post highlighting that an extremely low number (less than 7%) of GTA bus stops have shelters. In that post I stated that,
“I think Greensboro should strive to provide shelter for all bus stops. Of course, that is a “shooting for the stars” goal, but we could definitely improve on the numbers I just received.”
From the feedback I received via comments, emails and phone calls, this seems like something a lot of folks support. One comment made on the blog post stood out because it was left by “The Committee to Elect George Hartzman” – George is opposing Councilman Zack Matheny for the District 3 seat this year. Here is what was said,
“The problem is funding. The City of Greensboro and Guilford County have increased total outstanding debt by more than 900%, from $135,696,206 in 2000, to more than $1,300,000,000 in 2009. So what do we cut from where to fund what appears to be a very good idea?”
In all honesty, his comment bothered me a bit. I say that because it appears he has shot down the idea, or is assuming cuts have to be made, before possibly knowing the budget for things of this nature, the cost of providing a single shelter or if there are other ways to fund such a project.
I’m frugal by nature, but at the same time I fully understand the importance of investing in something such as GTA to help it grow and improve the system. If we adopt the “we have debt and should stop investing in the community” school of thought I fear that Greensboro will be taking a giant step backwards.
I don’t know George and have no idea what his platform is. What I do know is that Greensboro needs elected officials that are forward thinking and that are interested in thinking outside of Greensboro’s “box.” I urge George, and any other candidate, to keep an open mind about new ideas – if not, it’s business as usual.
Note: I have not fact checked the numbers left in the comment and would be more interested in Greensboro’s debt versus a combination City/County debt.
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