The Steamroller Express Has Left the Station

The only thing surprising was the speed. And even that wasn't that surprising.

The Steamroller Express, captained by David Tandy and Kevin Kramer, rolled through The Transportation and Public Works committee last night and passed a resolution that allows the Beshear-Abramson ticket to appoint anyone they want to make all the decisions about the Bridges project. They also rejected a motion to hold hearings on the bridges project.

Unless Metro Council develops a spine -- an unlikely prospect -- there is only one thing to say:

It's over, children. The powerful have won, and we get to live with the consequences: 14 years of construction, $4 billion in costs and counting, and 23 lanes of concrete through downtown Louisville.

Never mind that the majority of the public wants the East End bridge built first, and a re-think after that happens. Never mind that our transportation needs may be changing, and the traffic study from years ago is not reflective of current needs. Never mind that we have an opportunity to be SMART about public works.

All anyone sees is the chance to grab buckets and buckets of money from the state and the Feds, and we'd better rob that bank while the robbing's good.

Oh, and don't forget all of us, either. We get to pay tolls on every bridge in sight to pay for this folly.

It's not right, and we're going to regret it. And Tom Owen had it absolutely correct, when he mimed rubber-stamping some papers in front of him. A 45-minute meeting, and Kevin Kramer talks for 30 of it. Rubber-stamp, indeed.

And Tyler, if you think running for mayor is going to be a way to stop this, think again. This vote allows the mayor to appoint a board, then THAT board appoints the real board. Guess what? Once that happens, they're going to claim they are out of reach of elected officials. Just like Host claimed the Arena board was not a public agency.

Never mind that they're going to be spending the government's money. They'll be untouchable.

It all stinks to high heaven. But the Steamroller Express got what it wanted. I'm sure Mr. Tandy and Mr. Kramer are getting pats on the back from the owners of the Express.