If this paper had been given a vote at the TransLink mayors' council (see story on page 9), we likely would have followed the lead of the majority - holding our nose and voting yes.
While we admire New Westminster Mayor Wayne Wright for sticking to his guns and voting no, the reality is that a majority no vote would have killed the much-needed Evergreen line.
We do, however, fear that Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan is correct when he says TransLink will be back in two years wanting more. It seems to be the nature of the beast.
Unfortunately, this new deal dumps more taxes on those in outlying areas who are forced to drive because there are so few alternatives.
CORD It will likely also drive up property taxes for everyone who owns land in Metro Vancouver.
Given the shaky state of the economy, we certainly don't need to take another hit.
But without the yes vote, we would have scuttled or delayed numerous badly needed upgrades to public transit.
The problem that comes up again and again is that senior governments will spend the money for big monuments but not for the unglamorous job of moving people.
The province has spent literally billions of dollars on bridges and highway projects over the past few years, including the Port Mann Bridge and TransCanada Highway expansions and the new Golden Ears Bridge.
If you're a federal or provincial politician, such spending is great! You can boast of job creation, then show up and get your picture taken snipping the ribbon with a giant pair of gold scissors.
But it's the mayors and the TransLink board who have to find the money to pay the bus drivers and fix the potholes and repaint the yellow lines.
And it's the taxpayers - of course - who end up paying for both the photoop projects and the potholes.
