Gray released his budget at 3am this morning and it only leaves a few million dollars. That means it won't pay for the cars we need to run on the tracks, the terminal points, or the connection to Union Station. It also puts in serious jeopardy the federal grant application to extend the line down Benning Road into Ward 7.
Gray's proposed budget will delay streetcars by a minimum of 2 years. The earliest we could see streetcars on H Street would be 2014.
Tommy Wells is arguing for the streetcars, but right now Gray, Barry, Mendelson, and Graham aren't supporting a reversal to put the funds back.
Call AND email Gray. Let him know how you feel about the sketchy early morning crap he pulled.
Phone: 202-724-8032
Email: vgray@dccouncil.us
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UPDATE
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UPDATE
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Mendelson now supports restoring streetcar funding.
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UPDATE
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Or not. Mendelson's office told me when I called that he spoke in favor of restoring funding. I'm now told by another source that he actually spoke AGAINST restoring funding.
I guess he just supports the idea of streetcars. You know, like, abstractly.
Call Phil Mendelson too.
Tel: (202) 724-8064
Fax: (202) 724-8099
Email: pmendelson@dccouncil.us
11 comments:
I suggest you cc Gray's staff when you email:
Dawn Slonneger
Chief of Staff
DSlonneger@dccouncil.us
Doxie McCoy
Director of Communications
DMcCoy@dccouncil.us
Stephen Glaude
Director of Constituent Services
SGlaude@dccouncil.us
Robert Miller
Legislative Counsel
RMiller@dccouncil.us
I just e-mailed with Tommy Wells. he said that as of now (12:26) the $$ is out, but that there is a final vote this afternoon. He has prepared an amendment in preparation for that final vote. He asks that we keep calling his colleagues. Keep up the calls/e-mails!!
What is Harry Thomas's position on this? The streetcar will help benefit people in Trinidad as well.
Any word on if Harry Thomas (ward5) supports putting the money back?
Yes, does anyone know where the Ward 5 Council member stands on this issue?
According to his staff Thomas hasnt made a decision and she strongly encouraged me to email him directly. She says he is constantly reading his blackberry while in Committee. She also told me that he is a supporter of the streetcars, however, she seemed unaware of this cut.
hthomas@dccouncil.us
According to DCist, the only council members to vote against the funding cuts were Wells, Graham, and Evans.
Sierra club has a templated letter to all members of the city council HERE.
Kenny G
I used the link and the template. Thanks. Evans actually emailed me back and said "- thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this important issue."
Yet he is one of the few who are voting against it.
My guess is that Gray has already written off Ward 6 in the primary anyways. He will win 7 & 8, Fenty will get 2 & 3, and they will be fighting over 4 & 5.
And if he gets to pass around some goodies to his fellow councilmembers, what's the loss his end?
This is basic raw politics. It's an easy way to fund some pet projects in a year that they are terrified of raising taxes but all know will have to do after November.
Sucks, don't it.
We have come so close...but Seems like miles away.
5th street
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