MetroRiderLA

Damien Goodmon, transit advocate and founder of FixExpo.org, presents a series of articles defending his position on the controversy surrounding the Metro Exposition Line. The thoughts presented in this series are those of Damien Goodmon and Fix Expo and do not necessarily reflect the views of MetroRiderLA, its contributors, and/or readers.

The Expo Line controversy: At-grade rail. Dorsey HS. LAUSD. CPUC. Environmental racism. Fix Expo. Expo Communities United. And Damien Goodmon.

Many still don’t understand how or why I became the driver of the entity most critical of Los Angeles’ newest light rail line. And so for the next couple of weeks, I’ll write the Exposing Expo series, with the belief that by bringing to light the many interactions, information and uncovered documents, more can get a clearer picture of the 600 pound guerilla that is the Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority, an agent of MTA.

Because the process, fellow transit advocates, is very revealing and rather interesting. Indeed, what has become a tenacious brawl, began rather innocently and with the best of opinions of Expo staff.

“Work with staff,” I was told.

“Just ask questions and they’ll be honestly evaluated and fully answered,” I was led to believe.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

What will be illustrated is an arrogant and willfully ignorant Expo Board that continues to downplay the safety issues, mounting public pressure and pending legal actions that if unaddressed will derail the largest public works project in their districts.

What will be revealed is an unethical and snide Expo staff acting defensively and immorally under the crisis of transparency.

What will be exposed are actions of people who claim they’re transit advocates, which are more in line with that of agency apologists and public relations front men.

I will never disclose the contents of private conversations, and I legally can’t mention anything discussed in mediation, but pretty much everything public will be made available for the world to see.

Important questions will be answered, such as:
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I’m thrilled about the thread on Prop 91. I think it’s one of the best things we can do on this blog: discuss political matters as they relate to transit.

So I propose we take the opportunity to discuss the upcoming February election.

As mentioned, Prop 91 has direct implications on public transit. Prop 92 (which mandates spending on community colleges and restricts fees) has indirect implications (by tying up funding that might be used on other things, including transit). And Props 94-96 may generate revenues by expanding gambling, although most of these funds aren’t restricted to any programs (as far as I know).

I’m not aware of other issues on the ballot. Perhaps there are local issues someone can bring up?

And of course, there’s the little matter of the president! Does any candidate (in any party) have a very strong pro- or anti-transit platform? This issue isn’t covered much in the popular media, that’s for sure!

Last, but not least, I’d like to nag you all to register to vote by Jan 22. You can start the process online here.