ATTEND JTA's Plan To KILL RAIL, 4-7 MON.

[Mueller]

Just wanted to give this thread a bump, since the JTA meeting is tomorrow.  For us newbs, is there anything we should know about attendance them?

August 23, 2010
BRT Southeast Corridor Public Meeting
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Best Western-Southpoint

[Ocklawaha]

Make sure to sign in and fill out a "speakers card" so you can make public comment. Expect it to get heated, and don't expect JTA to respond with straight answers...  It's a dog and pony show to tell all of us how they will destroy any chance for rail as well as the hair brained scheme for a parallel BRT system they are going to ram down our throats. JTA doesn't know the meaning of the words "Multi-Modal Mass Transit," but then they don't know the meaning of most words.

Be ready to read between the lines and challenge them on any and every point.  Watch for little gems like they pulled out with their recent BILLION DOLLAR BRT PLAN which attempted to show the savings over Light Rail by quoting the per mile cost of Light Rail lines that were built elevated or in subways then explaining why "bus was better." Using social services buildings to prove BRT has attracted TOD, but failing to point out only city, county or state funded TOD which pays no taxes. Fact is, if thought was taxed, JTA would be due a rebate.

Understand that BRT is not bad, but a parallel application such as UNDER THE SKYWAY (SOUTHBANK) and PHILIPS HIGHWAY is STUPID! You can’t fix stupid. Creative minds aren’t everything. In fact in JTA's case they’re nothing. Any legal eagles out there? Where's Riversidegator when we need him? Seems to me we could really toss a monkey wrench into this plan by filing a charge of "Gross Abuse of Public Funds" at them for all of this duplication especially since most of the city has almost no service at all. Numbers are skewed, accounting is questionable, research is shoddy, and the trail of failed projects endless. The agency couldn't withstand a real legal attack on behalf of the citizenry of Northeast Florida.

They have the BRT concept scaled back to a favorable scale meaning it would be affordable and worthwhile IF they would design to compliment rail, Skyway, streetcar, water and bus.

I'll be there good Lord willing and the creek don't rise.


OCKLAWAHA

[Ocklawaha]

WHAT? PUBLIC HEARING
WHERE? BEST WESTERN - SOUTHPOINT
WHEN? 4-7 MONDAY

Better plan to attend and raise some hell, this is an outrage and a thinly veiled effort to put rail into the next century. Of course nobody in the meeting is going to hint that this is directed at Rail's jugular, frankly half don't even know and the other half doesn't care. They are the emperors minions, DON'T LET THEM DELUDE YOU with their pre-prepared script. The first couple of hours are usually a meet and greet with a salesman or woman for every map and photo. A more formal presentation should roll around about 6:00 pm if they follow their standard practice.

Damn shame that AVA PARKER, JTA Chair, doesn't show up for these public comments because only then would she or the Board of Directors really hear the public and the drivel that JTA pours on the citizenry.

JACKSONVILLE TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors

The Authority's governing body has seven members. Three members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate; three members are appointed by Jacksonville's Mayor and confirmed by the City Council; and the seventh member is the District Two Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Members serve a four-year term with the exception of the FDOT Secretary who serves the length of his/her employment in that position, and can be re-appointed for an additional four years. The members of the Authority are not entitled to compensation, but are reimbursed for travel and other expenses actually incurred in their duties as provided by law.

Ava L. Parker
Chairman

Mrs. Parker was appointed by Mayor John Peyton. She is a partner in the law firm Lawrence, Parker & Neighbors, LLC. She brings years of government experience to the JTA board, having previously worked for both the Public Service Commission and the Florida Department of Transportation.

Michael Cavendish
Vice Chairman

Michael Cavendish is a Jacksonville attorney practicing as a shareholder with Gunster Yoakley & Stewart, P.A. He has served in chairmanships for local, state, and national lawyer organizations and maintains an active role in local grassroots civic improvement associations. He is also involved in fundraising efforts for local non-profit organizations. Mr. Cavendish was appointed to the JTA by Governor Charlie Crist in 2007.
   Michael Cavendish, Board Member

Donald P. Hinson
Secretary

Donald P. Hinson, appointed by Mayor John Delaney and reappointed by Mayor John Peyton, is both a registered professional engineer and general contractor, bringing valuable insight to the development of the Authority's strategic direction. For two years, Mr. Hinson served as the Board's Chairman.
   
Donald P. Hinson, Board Member

Edward E. Burr
Treasurer

Edward Burr, appointed by Governor Charlie Crist, spent the past two decades building a highly successful real estate development company, LandMar Group, specializing in developing master-planned communities throughout Florida and southeast Georgia. Mr. Burr also formed Hampton Golf, Inc. in 1997, which builds, operates and manages golf courses in executive-style residential communities in both Florida and Georgia, employing over 600 people.
   
Edward E. Burr, Board Member

Cleve E. Warren
Board Member

Cleve Warren, appointed to the board by Mayor John Peyton, is President and CEO of Essential Capital and is a former Vice President with Barnett Bank of Jacksonville. Mr. Warren earned a Bachelor's Degree in Banking and Finance from the University of North Florida and a Master's in Business Administration from Jacksonville University. Mr. Warren is a Jacksonville native.
   Cleve E. Warren, Chairman

A. J. Johns
Board Member

A.J. Johns, appointed to the board by former Governor Jeb Bush and reappointed by Governor Charlie Crist, is President of A.J. Johns, Inc., a utility contracting firm doing business in North Florida since 1970. The firm has 150 employees.
   A. J. Johns, Vice Chairman

Alan R. Mosley, P.E.
Board Member

Alan Mosley, FDOT District Two Secretary, is responsible for the day-to-day administrative, planning, production and operations activities for District Two which encompasses 18 counties in North Central Florida. Mosley began his career with the City of Jacksonville in 1974 and most recently served as the city’s Chief Administrative Officer. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business and he is a Registered Professional Engineer.

SOURCE:
http://www.jtafla.com/AboutJTA/showPage.aspx?Sel=27

OCKLAWAHA

[Ocklawaha]

CALL THE JTA BOARD AND TELL THEM TO SHOW UP!


OCKLAWAHA

[coredumped]

Unfortunately I can't make it, hopefully someone will post details here.

[stjr]

Damn shame that AVA PARKER, JTA Chair, doesn't show up for these public comments because only then would she or the Board of Directors really hear the public and the drivel that JTA pours on the citizenry.

If JTA board members don't turn up for public hearings designed to address decisions they make, then why are these people board members?  Are they really just stooges for JTA management?  History suggest "yes".

JTA is totally incompetent and unresponsive to the needs of our community and its board sits by silently with nary a complaint or expression of dissent, inquiry, doubt, concern, or alternative thought about JTA management positions.  Just a rubber stamp.  They get away with it because they are accountable to no one.  Maybe JTA's board should be elected, rather than appointed.  While leaving things in the hands of uninformed voters is chancy, it can't be any worse than the worthless and poorly serving arrangement we have now.

I wonder if JTA board members swear a secret oath prior to taking their seats to subvert themselves to JTA management, mere unthinking drones.

JTA needs to be completely dismantled as it's a broken agency hurting this city something terrible.  We need a whole new model for transportation planning.  40 years of failure, incompetency, and misdirection is long enough for us citizens to suffer.  Not one JTA project comes to mind that has stood the test of time as a totally well conceived and well planned legacy.

P.S. And, nothing shows JTA giving the citizenry the proverbial "finger" more than its refusal to post current financial statements on its web site.

History

In 1955, the Jacksonville Expressway Authority was founded to build bridges and expressways in Duval County funded by toll revenues. A merger in 1971 of the original Expressway Authority and several private bus companies paved the way for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) as it is known today.

Working closely with the Florida Department of Transportation and the City of Jacksonville, JTA develops and implements construction plans to improve traffic flow in our city. Funded by a half-cent sales tax approved in 1988 as a result of the elimination of tolls, JTA manages construction projects on state- and city-owned roadways. Those projects, however, are not maintained by JTA.

Jacksonville voters approved an additional half-cent sales tax in September 2000 to fund The Better Jacksonville Planâ€"a $2.2 billion infrastructure and quality-of-life improvement initiative. JTA is playing a significant role in the implementation of this massive plan with 32 roadway projects totaling more than $800 million. The projects include 12 interchange improvements, roadway widening projects, construction of one major bridge and the design of another.

[JTA joke line:] The Jacksonville Transportation Authority provides high quality regional transit services and roadway infrastructure connecting Northeast Florida

http://www.jtafla.com/AboutJTA/showPage.aspx?Sel=33

[stjr]

Ock, MJ should request Mr. Blaylock and company confront the issues, concerns, and allegations made on MJ boards and explain themselves to the public via MJ.  It would be the most accountability they have probably ever been subjected to.

[stjr]

Let's see, of the JTA board members, we have the following breakdown:

A contractor, a developer, an engineer/contractor, and two attorneys.  All, potentially beholden to being in the good graces of JTA, post-board membership, enhancing the likelihood they won't be rocking any of JTA's boats.

One of the attorneys above also used to work for FDOT.  Along with the current FDOT district secretary (and a former aid to the mayor), it is likely these two are too chummy with JTA officials to be very objective either.

That leaves only Mr. Warren as a possible independent voice.  1 out 7.  Not a very good batting average.  But, reading this description of the services his firm provides may also create concern:

The Access to Capital Program provides loans to businesses for the moblilization funds needed to start work on municipal contracts. Essential Capital is currently administering this program for the City of Jacksonville. Learn more about the Access to Capital Program at  Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Access to Captial Program.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:HQ-WvUwg3MAJ:www.essentialcapital.net/+essential+capital&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a

And this:

Access to Capital loans, which allow businesses with transportation-related city contracts to borrow funds via a credit line to pay contract invoices, as they are incurred, are administered by Essential Capital.

Add, that to get selected, you also probably have to donate to the elected official appointing you to be considered, you can see that the "common man" isn't arriving on this scene anytime soon.

While I have no doubt this board may have the best of intentions and character, I see these connections and interests as restraints leading to why the board appears to be so mealy mouthed and ineffective.

JACKSONVILLE TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors

The Authority's governing body has seven members. Three members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate; three members are appointed by Jacksonville's Mayor and confirmed by the City Council; and the seventh member is the District Two Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Members serve a four-year term with the exception of the FDOT Secretary who serves the length of his/her employment in that position, and can be re-appointed for an additional four years. The members of the Authority are not entitled to compensation, but are reimbursed for travel and other expenses actually incurred in their duties as provided by law.

Ava L. Parker
Chairman

Mrs. Parker was appointed by Mayor John Peyton. She is a partner in the law firm Lawrence, Parker & Neighbors, LLC. She brings years of government experience to the JTA board, having previously worked for both the Public Service Commission and the Florida Department of Transportation.

Michael Cavendish
Vice Chairman

Michael Cavendish is a Jacksonville attorney practicing as a shareholder with Gunster Yoakley & Stewart, P.A. He has served in chairmanships for local, state, and national lawyer organizations and maintains an active role in local grassroots civic improvement associations. He is also involved in fundraising efforts for local non-profit organizations. Mr. Cavendish was appointed to the JTA by Governor Charlie Crist in 2007.
   Michael Cavendish, Board Member

Donald P. Hinson
Secretary

Donald P. Hinson, appointed by Mayor John Delaney and reappointed by Mayor John Peyton, is both a registered professional engineer and general contractor, bringing valuable insight to the development of the Authority's strategic direction. For two years, Mr. Hinson served as the Board's Chairman.
   
Donald P. Hinson, Board Member

Edward E. Burr
Treasurer

Edward Burr, appointed by Governor Charlie Crist, spent the past two decades building a highly successful real estate development company, LandMar Group, specializing in developing master-planned communities throughout Florida and southeast Georgia. Mr. Burr also formed Hampton Golf, Inc. in 1997, which builds, operates and manages golf courses in executive-style residential communities in both Florida and Georgia, employing over 600 people.
   
Edward E. Burr, Board Member

Cleve E. Warren
Board Member

Cleve Warren, appointed to the board by Mayor John Peyton, is President and CEO of Essential Capital and is a former Vice President with Barnett Bank of Jacksonville. Mr. Warren earned a Bachelor's Degree in Banking and Finance from the University of North Florida and a Master's in Business Administration from Jacksonville University. Mr. Warren is a Jacksonville native.
   Cleve E. Warren, Chairman

A. J. Johns
Board Member

A.J. Johns, appointed to the board by former Governor Jeb Bush and reappointed by Governor Charlie Crist, is President of A.J. Johns, Inc., a utility contracting firm doing business in North Florida since 1970. The firm has 150 employees.
   A. J. Johns, Vice Chairman

Alan R. Mosley, P.E.
Board Member

Alan Mosley, FDOT District Two Secretary, is responsible for the day-to-day administrative, planning, production and operations activities for District Two which encompasses 18 counties in North Central Florida. Mosley began his career with the City of Jacksonville in 1974 and most recently served as the city’s Chief Administrative Officer. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business and he is a Registered Professional Engineer.

SOURCE:
http://www.jtafla.com/AboutJTA/showPage.aspx?Sel=27

[tufsu1]

Let's see, of the JTA board members, we have the following breakdown:

A contractor, a developer, an engineer/contractor, and two attorneys.  All, potentially beholden to being in the good graces of JTA, post-board membership, enhancing the likelihood they won't be rocking any of JTA's boats.

ok...enough already!

I'd actually like to see the JTA Board have people that know something about infrastructure....so having a contractor, an engineer, and a developer mnay not be such a bad thing.

And it seems like a pretty goof idea to have the FDOT district secretary sitting on the Board...since much of JTA's funding comes from FDOT and they are certified to design and build projects on state roads.

As for the southeast BRT plan...I don't think there is some insidious plot against rail....I just don't think some of the people see why one would effect the other....explaining why that might not be the case should be the top priority for MJ folks attending.

[tufsu1]

Well not paying attention to who is on the road building authority certainly has worked out for transit for the past 40 years hasnt it?

I didn't know that JTA was the road building authority

[buckethead]

I enjoy your input, tufsu. So often the voice of reason in a sea of seemingly ill-informed opinion which can border on slander from time to time.

On this issue, the truth seems fairly obvious, even to someone like myself with no urban planning or transit/transportation experience other than driving a car or the occasional joy ride on the skyway.

BRT directly below an existing monorail is a blatant slap in the face. Two years of unreported accounting is another. It is definitely time to see a couple pitchforks and torches.

JTA builds roads and maintains a very inadequate bus system. (Bussing in Jax is a huge undertaking I realize)

Are our resident experts so far off base?

[tufsu1]

no buckethed....I generally agree with them.

I'm just saying that I don't think JTA is maliciously trying to kill commuter rail on the FEC for 10 years or more w/ this BRT plan....the problem is they don't even realize that will be the result!

And as to the JTA board....I'd like them to be more engaged, take a more proactive role, and shake things up....but I don't agree that they currently act as just a rubber stamp for JTA staff.

[904Scars]

Ocklawaha, I know I have spoken with you several times on this matter through PM and I have shown my interest. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend because of my work schedule. Please however keep me (and all of us) informed as to how this "meeting" folds out. I am very interested in seeing how this all plays out once citizens are given the opportunity to clash heads with JTA. I assume BRT will possibly become a main focus (I hope) but I am also interested in hearing about the Union Station proposal, as well as the use and or destruction of the pedestrian tunnels. Looking forward to hearing about the outcome!

[JeffreyS]

no buckethed....I generally agree with them.

I'm just saying that I don't think JTA is maliciously trying to kill commuter rail on the FEC for 10 years or more w/ this BRT plan....the problem is they don't even realize that will be the result!

And as to the JTA board....I'd like them to be more engaged, take a more proactive role, and shake things up....but I don't agree that they currently act as just a rubber stamp for JTA staff.

I am not sure which would be the bigger sin.

1.The board is all for killing rail with this plan.


2. The board is too dumb, disinterested, lazy or corrupt to have actually found out this will be the effect.

[stjr]

And as to the JTA board....I'd like them to be more engaged, take a more proactive role, and shake things up....but I don't agree that they currently act as just a rubber stamp for JTA staff.

Tufsu, can you give us any significant examples of where the JTA board changed the direction JTA management was headed in on any given project or community initiative?

The image of the board is derived from its own "inactions".  If they have a problem with that, they need to demonstrate otherwise.

By the way, this isn't a slight strictly against the current board.  It's been true for the entire existence of JTA.  There is something systemically wrong with how JTA is put together and oversighted and it needs to be changed, post haste. Even you, above, acknowledge there are flaws, and you are as much a JTA defender on here as there is.