Comments on: Memo to Oberstar: It’s not gonna happen http://mnpublius.com/2009/10/memo-to-oberstar-its-not-gonna-happen/ Tracking Minnesota Politics Since 2005 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 04:33:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Lynnell Mickelsen http://mnpublius.com/2009/10/memo-to-oberstar-its-not-gonna-happen/#comment-45501 Lynnell Mickelsen Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:36:13 +0000 http://mnpublius.com/?p=6954#comment-45501 I agree with Adam. Also, Oberstar has been in office for 30-plus years. The guy is a master at moving legislation and he chairs the committee. Don't underestimate Jim. He's also one of the smartest people in Congress and I say this as a former reporter who covered him. I agree with Adam. Also, Oberstar has been in office for 30-plus years. The guy is a master at moving legislation and he chairs the committee. Don't underestimate Jim. He's also one of the smartest people in Congress and I say this as a former reporter who covered him.

]]> By: Adam Duininck http://mnpublius.com/2009/10/memo-to-oberstar-its-not-gonna-happen/#comment-45478 Adam Duininck Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:39:09 +0000 http://mnpublius.com/?p=6954#comment-45478 I just don't buy that there isn't enough time or political will to get this reauthorization done. Politics is about multi-tasking. I know certain committees have been tied up with health care, energy, and bailing out the banking industry. I just don't take that as an excuse not to pass a bill that will create jobs now and build our economy for tomorrow. We gave billions to Wall St. without blinking an eye. What's controversial about investing in our infrastructure to grow our economy long-term? Operating engineers, laborers, cement finishers, ironworkers, and other construction crafts are looking at unemployment from fifteen to nearly fifty percent. If jobs aren't created and this economy doesn't begin to turn around, then 2010 will be poised to be a disastrous election. Chairman Oberstar's vision for a 21st century transportation system would be a monumental achievement and I applaud his efforts to make it a reality. I just don't buy that there isn't enough time or political will to get this reauthorization done. Politics is about multi-tasking. I know certain committees have been tied up with health care, energy, and bailing out the banking industry. I just don't take that as an excuse not to pass a bill that will create jobs now and build our economy for tomorrow.

We gave billions to Wall St. without blinking an eye. What's controversial about investing in our infrastructure to grow our economy long-term? Operating engineers, laborers, cement finishers, ironworkers, and other construction crafts are looking at unemployment from fifteen to nearly fifty percent. If jobs aren't created and this economy doesn't begin to turn around, then 2010 will be poised to be a disastrous election. Chairman Oberstar's vision for a 21st century transportation system would be a monumental achievement and I applaud his efforts to make it a reality.

]]>