Document text
RVTD candidates stress transit need By Jessica Smith With traffic congestion becoming an increasingly bothersome issue for a growing region, candidates for the Rogue Valley Transportation District board of directors say it�s time to give more serious thought to public transit. "The transportation problems we have are going to take more than realigning the freeway," said board member Kay Harrison, who�s up for re-election March 13. "If you just put more asphalt out, then the people are going to use it." Instead, Harrison and others say RVTD needs to educate businesses and residents about the benefits of public transit and find ways to push for increased service. Given RVTD�s recent record � the district has failed in its past eight attempts to pass an operating levy and watched services decline as a result � it seems board members have their work cut out for them. Here�s a look at each of the eight candidates: Position 4 - Eileen Adee � A retired Medford school teacher, Adee is running for election to the board�s Position 4. A six-year member of the RVTD special needs committee, Adee told the Mail Tribune last week she is a strong advocate for transportation alternatives in the valley. She was unavailable Friday for further comment. - Susan Hand � She lost a Medford mayoral bid against Lindsay Berryman in November, but Hand said she remains committed to making Medford a livable city. Public transportation, she said, is key. "I think it�s embarrassing how the land-use policy-makers do not recognize what a critical component transit is in a metropolitan community," she said. If elected, Hand said she would work to foster partnerships between RVTD and local businesses. She said she also supports finding new funding sources for RVTD, including a possible payroll tax. Position 5 - Kay Harrison � A member of the Central Point City Council and RVTD board member since 1997, Harrison said she wants to continue her service with RVTD to follow developing projects like the medical transport service the district will roll out later this year. In coming years, Harrison said she would like RVTD to target commuters, where public transit has the most hope of making a difference in traffic congestion. - Cleve Wright � Also a candidate for the Phoenix-Talent school board, Wright said he would like to encourage RVTD to increase its efforts to secure state and federal funding for programs and services. "You�re not going to get it (funding) with levies," he said. "People are tired of taxes. We need to look at other alternatives." A foundation, like the one operated by the Ashland Community Hospital and other organizations, could be an effective tool in raising funds, he added. Position 6 - Carol Bennett � A member of the RVTD board since 1997, Bennett currently serves as the group�s chairwoman. According to a statement in the Jackson County voter�s pamphlet, Bennett would like to continue her work to increase the transportation district�s fixed-route service. Bennett was unable to provide further comment Friday. - Stan Druben � A retired computer programmer from Ashland, Druben said in a voter�s pamphlet statement that he wants to bolster RVTD service to encourage a balanced transportation system in the valley. He could not be reached for additional comment. Position 7 - Tom Crimmins � A RVTD user himself, Crimmins said he wants to give bus riders a bigger voice in decisions that ultimately affect them. Crimmins, of Ashland, said the fact RVTD board meetings are held after buses stop running makes it difficult for users to discuss their concerns with board members. Additionally, Crimmins said he wants to see weekend service restored to give transportation options to area youths. - Mary Ruth Wooding � Elected to the RVTD board in 1997, Wooding said in her voter�s pamphlet statement that she wants to continue pursuing the goals she set four years ago: stable funding, increased ridership and 15-minute and nighttime service. She could not be reached for further comment. Candidates who win the March 13 election will serve four years on the board, RVTD�s policy-making body. Reach reporter Jessica Smith at 776-4481, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.