Eliot recently received the following question on Facebook from Markos Miller. We thought that it was intriguing and the question and answer were both worth posting here on our site.
THE QUESTION
How would your administration address land use and transportation issues so that we protect rural Maine, strengthen urban centers, and invest in more sustainable forms of moving people and goods?
- Markos Miller
ELIOT’S ANSWER
Markos,
As the recent abandonment of substantial trackage in northern Maine demonstrates, “sustainable forms of moving people and goods in Maine” largely will depend on a well-maintained system of roads. It is hard to imagine that widespread mass transportation — whether by bus or rail — will be self-supporting, cost-effective and “sustainable” in most parts of Maine. The more heavily urbanized counties in the southern part of the state may be an exception to a limited degree, and we should pursue these options where they can be cost-effective and sustainable, but the fact is that most Mainers and our principal industries, such as tourism, will continue to depend on the quality of our roads.
Having said that, it is important to acknowledge that not all roads are the same; roads are precursors to, attractants of and instruments of growth as much or more than the other way around. This means that we need to use roads in Maine as much as possible as levers, along with other tools, to try to channel growth in ways that protect the integrity and character of rural Maine and our cities and towns. I helped write the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act and the Water Quality Act, and I helped to protect Section 4(f) of the Highway Act. I have fought numerous battles across the country in cases involving both good roads and bad, good planning and bad. Believe me, I know the difference, and I understand the importance of sound transportation planning.
I have no interest in going to Augusta just to maintain the status quo. We can do things better and smarter in a whole host of areas, including transportation policy. You obviously have strong feelings and interest in this area and I welcome your ideas.
Eliot
Tags: Transportation
