[Vision2020] DNews Opinion -- Megaloads

[Sam Scripter]

 From the Moscow-Pullman Daily News

http://www.dnews.com/story/opinion/56860/
>
>
>   OUR VIEW: Idaho, ITD didn't get the message
>
> Devin Rokyta
>
> Posted on: Monday, November 08, 2010
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>
> <http://www.lmtribune.com/adserver/www/delivery/ck.php?oaparams=2__bannerid=625__zoneid=42__cb=6a73ce34e7__oadest=http%3A%2F%2Fstevenforge.com%2F> 
>
>
> Tuesday's election results should have sent a handful of messages to 
> politicians and other public officials, and not just the Democrats.
>
> One of those messages is the electorate is tired of back-room dealings 
> and the lack of transparency in our government. Both sides of the 
> aisle - at the national and state levels - are guilty.
>
> It's still early, but that message doesn't appear to have gotten 
> across in Idaho after the latest twist in the unfolding saga revolving 
> around the shipment of mega-loads on U.S. Highway 12. Last week, the 
> Idaho Supreme Court overturned a ruling by a lower-court judge who 
> blocked the shipment of four mega-loads of oil refinery equipment on 
> the scenic highway.
>
> Attorneys for residents who sued to stop the shipments said the 
> court's ruling could open the door for public hearings and more 
> extensive public involvement in ITD's decision process, which they say 
> has been done so far largely behind closed doors.
>
> Unfortunately, ITD looks to be staying the course. Last week it denied 
> a request by opponents for a contested hearing for Exxon Mobil loads, 
> citing its own power to resolve permit applications.
>
> Following the Supreme Court's decision, ITD spokesman Jeff Stratten 
> said the department is reviewing the decision and hasn't decided how 
> to proceed.
>
> Well Mr. Stratten and ITD, you proceed by opening up the process and 
> giving the people a voice in the matter rather than pandering to big 
> business behind closed doors, as appears to be the case, rightly or 
> wrongly.
>
> Do you have to open up the process? It doesn't appear so. Should you? 
> Easy answer - yes.
>
> The people want to be heard. They want ITD and the oil companies to 
> address their concerns about safety, convenience and whether or not 
> the highway will become a permanent route for similar oversized 
> equipment shipments.
>
> ITD officials aren't elected, but they still are government employees 
> and therefore accountable to the public. They need to start acting 
> like it.
>
> - *Devin Rokyta*, for the editorial board
>
>

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