Perdue wants to avoid special session on MARTA
Gov. Sonny Perdue told reporters that his staff met with MARTA officials Tuesday morning in hopes of coming up with a solution to the transit system’s funding problems.
However, it doesn’t sound like he will go along with MARTA’s call for a special session to pass legislation to help the system.
“Certainly the governor can call a special session, but this is not the first time somebody’s bill has not passed and they’ve run to the governor’s office to ask for a special session,” Perdue said. “We will have to look at a lot of things. Special sessions are something we shy away from. We will do our best not to call a special session.”
The governor mentioned several times that MARTA made no effort to get him involved in passing legislation that would have freed up funding for the system. The bill failed.
“It’s always unfortunate when people who depend on MARTA have their service cut, and I hope they (MARTA) can find a way …. to make it through the end of the year,” the governor said.
Perdue said his transportation staffers and chief financial officer met with MARTA officials this morning “to see if there are other ways to resolve this. We want to make sure they are able to continue their operations.”
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256 comments Add your comment
David
April 7th, 2009
1:05 pm
So wait, because MARTA officials didn’t explicitly ask the Governor for help (even though the system’s budget problems have been publicly aired over and over) – and we know how sincere his “desire” to improve transportation in this State is anyways from the 2nd legislative failure in a row – those who use MARTA are going to have to suffer? Talk about a government for the people… I can’t wait for his term to end.
WestsideATL
April 7th, 2009
1:29 pm
Good. Detroit is having to negotiate labor rates and retirement/pension benefits with their labor unions – the public sector should be compelled should do the same – that should save some money.
And instead of cutting service that people actually need to sustain their livelihoods, can MARTA just scrap their police force? The officers don’t ride the trains or buses anymore and all they have left to do is sit around in parking lots. If I had to choose between parking lot security and service, I’d choose service.
David
April 7th, 2009
1:40 pm
Let get this right. Governor Perdue called a special sessions back several years ago because two people of the same sex wanted to get married because it was such a big threat to him and his friends. But when the Transportation system is about to shut down it is not a Threat to the people of ATLANTA …… come on. Perdue you are such a waste of my tax paying dollars.
Rita
April 7th, 2009
1:41 pm
Purdue doesn’t care about how the people of Atlanta get around because he has a car to get around. So what if the people who rely on MARTA as their means to get to and from work is stopped. He sure as heck doesn’t. Is his term over yet?
professional skeptic
April 7th, 2009
1:41 pm
“The governor mentioned several times that MARTA made no effort to get him involved in passing legislation that would have freed up funding for the system.”
MARTA’s financial struggle during this economic downturn has been public news for months. Does our governor not consider himself a member of the public? Does his Veterinary Excellency require an embossed invitation before he becomes involved in matters that are vital to the general public?
Another unbelievable display of arrogance by our Republican elected officials.
t
April 7th, 2009
1:43 pm
Why doesn’t MARTA just raise their rates. Make the people who use the service, pay for the service. MARTA hasn’t raised rates since 2001. Why should Savannah, Columbus, and Augusta (who support their own transit systems) pay for the disaster that is MARTA.
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[...] challenges we faced, the biggest thing is we didn’t raise taxes on anybody,” Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle said in a story that appeared Sunday in the The Atlanta [...]
bullwinkle
April 7th, 2009
1:44 pm
So Gov. Perdue wanted a personal invite! Sounds like he has a real interest in the metro areas transportation problem. Never mind, he’s only concerned if it affects middle or south Georgia.
Will
April 7th, 2009
1:44 pm
Moreover, Perdue has made such an effort to be removed from the legislative process that it begs the question, would he have gotten involved? The answer is likely no, but if he had, it would have been to the same extent he got involved in his transportation governance reform but not the funding.
JRG
April 7th, 2009
1:44 pm
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR ALL WHO NEED IT. ANY GOV’T THAT DOES NOT AID IN THIS AREA IS A USELESS GOV’T.
Feliz Sansibar
April 7th, 2009
1:46 pm
I can’t fault Marta for seeking a special session; I can fault Sonny for not realizing the implications of his decision not to hold a special session. Essentially, he’s disregarding many who depend on Marta for their livelihood. He’s making an already dismal economy worse for them or me; this isn’t the time for platitudes or excuses of “we don’t do that.” I’m flabbergasted that Sonny would make such a direction for the people of Georgia–a very irresponsible thing for a “governor” to do. He should be ashamed.
Sonny Sucks
April 7th, 2009
1:48 pm
When will Sonny realize MARTA is a necessity, not only for the people who rely on it, but the region as a whole. Let’s see how he likes conventions, Super Bowls, Final Fours and the millions of tax dollars they generate going to other states because of his backwards view of things. It’s amazing how these officials govern from their ivory tower in Atlanta….well it’s actually gold, not ivory.
Steve
April 7th, 2009
1:48 pm
Sonny is a bigger embarrassment as governor than was Lester Maddox.
I hope you default on the $15 million you owe the banks, and your farm is taken. Perhaps then you will see this economy negatively impacts us all, including you and your Baptist Gestapo.
bullwinkle
April 7th, 2009
1:50 pm
Savannah, Columbus and Agusta doesn’t pay for MARTA. MARTA is funded primarily buy the citizen’s of Fulton & Dekalb Counties.
Michael
April 7th, 2009
1:50 pm
Can you please stop playing politics and get to work? Peoples livelihoods are at stake here as well as the economy of the metropolitan area. Do what needs to be done or the people will see to it that we have “Change” in Georgia too!
professional skeptic
April 7th, 2009
1:51 pm
t, you are an uninformed cretin. Savannah, Columbus and Augusta do not pay for MARTA. The people of Fulton, DeKalb, and Atlanta pay for MARTA. MARTA simply wants the flexibility to use the $65 Million in ALREADY COLLECTED sales tax dollars that are restricted by the state for capital improvements to help get it through the recession.
A better question would be, “Why should legislators from OUTSIDE Fulton, DeKalb and Atlanta have any say whatsoever in how MARTA spends its own money?”
Mark H.
April 7th, 2009
1:52 pm
There is a reason I left the Republican party to become a Libertarian. The politicians are too interested in the politics instead of doing the right thing. Thanks Sonny! Is there any more damage you can inflict upon your party and your fellow citizens?
Lucas
April 7th, 2009
1:52 pm
MARTA wants access to money it already has sitting in the bank, from Dekalb/Fulton/Cobb sales taxes. Their fares make up only a small portion of their operating costs. They didn’t ask for help from Perdue earlier because the bill went through the Senate as a no-brainer. The House bungled it, just like they bungled the transportation funding in general. Perdue certainly doesn’t ride MARTA, but people coming to conferences in Atlanta certainly do, and they will certainly notice when Friday service stops. As an Atlantan, I can only look forward to our new, Atlanta-only transit system the Beltline – because it will not be hampered by having to go through the inefficient, wasteful legislature of Georgia.
JLM
April 7th, 2009
1:55 pm
Sonny does not and has never cared what Atlanta needs or wants. He has shown that time and time again. His base is the rural areas; he knows it and spends the money out there accordingly, even though the majority of the tax money comes from the metro area.
James B. McMullen
April 7th, 2009
1:55 pm
Both Perdue and Ex-President Bush, should be incarcerated.
jdawg
April 7th, 2009
1:57 pm
would someone tell me what his paid staff does? Maybe a few more days off would help….anyone that did not know about this…well…maybe they are blind…this personal invite thing is unreal…just like he signed to extend teacher’s receiving their contracts until May 15th…that is a major priority…
Kelly
April 7th, 2009
1:58 pm
Let me see if I have this correct. Since MARTA officials did not go to the Governor for help, they will have to come up with a way to work out their budget shortfall? It is my understanding that MARTA is not asking for more money but instead have over $60 million dollars in reserve that will keep them operating for the remainder of the fiscal year. The legistive branch do not want to give MARTA access to this money so MARTA will have to cut employees and services to make up for the shortfall. This will cause individuals who depend of MARTA to have to sacrifice as well.
If I missed anything, please let me know. Because most of us choose to ride around the city of Atlanta in our nice cars and view mass transit as something that only poor people who can’t afford a car have to use, I call this ignorant.
When gas prices when through the roof, what did most people do, turn to mass transit. When there are sporting events downtown and parking is limited, what do most people do, turn to mass transit. Governor and members of the legisture, get off your high horse and fix this!
Dan
April 7th, 2009
1:58 pm
Wow, what a pompous SOB.
Cynic
April 7th, 2009
2:00 pm
I don’t understand why MARTA wants to shut down service on Fridays. They need to shut down service on the weekends. If white Republicans from the suburbs could no longer take MARTA to sporting events, we might see a change in suburban attitude. (Full disclosure, I am a white ITP Republican, who grew up riding MARTA to Braves games).
DL
April 7th, 2009
2:02 pm
Good….marta is unsafe, unclean and undesireable. raise rates marta, use that money to pay your workers, clean your trains. oh….and so people can watch flat screen tv’s as they ride the bus. sorry, sonny isn’t helping pay extra for that….NEITHER AM I!
Michael
April 7th, 2009
2:04 pm
I agree with Cynic, and I am Black. Why Friday and not Saturday and Sunday? Of course the main objective should be full service, but if cuts have to be made, I wouldn’t mess with the traditional work week.
T.J.
April 7th, 2009
2:04 pm
It’s fine and dandy to vent your frustrations on here, but we all really should be calling and emailing Sonny to tell him to call a special session and do the business of the people. Here’s the online form: http://gov.georgia.gov/00/gov/contact_us/0,2657,78006749_94820188,00.html , and his phone number is (404) 656-1776.
JEFF
April 7th, 2009
2:06 pm
MARTA is a failure all on its own. Poor leadership, wasteful spending, and misguided idealism. Isn’t this what the northern suburbs warned about when rejecting MARTA? Looks like it wasn’t about race afterall. Either raise the fare for those who use it, cut expenses significantly, or shut down. MARTA is not as important to the region as some would fantasize. Other areas here have done just fine without MARTA.
J for Real
April 7th, 2009
2:08 pm
Ok All of you comparing Augusta, Columbus, and Macons transit system to Atlanta’s are dissolusioned. How many people visiting the Aug, Col, or Mac actually ride their transit or should I say Bus system. People from all over the world depend on MARTA when visiting Atlanta and contributes to the city and states revenues because they spend money here. So if Augusta, Columbus and Macon wants to stop taking state money from money spent in the Atlanta economy, then I will be fine with Atlanta paying for MARTA. Without Atlanta, Georgia would be just another pass through state. So Yes everyone in this state has a responsibility to MARTA, not just Metro Atlantans.
KW
April 7th, 2009
2:11 pm
Hey “t”, people in the other parts of the state DON’T pay for MARTA. It is only funded by Fulton and Dekalb counties. In fact, it is one of the only large-scale transport agencies in the US that gets NO state funding.
GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!
atlin83
April 7th, 2009
2:11 pm
DL – aside from your uninformed, ignorant comments about the safety, cleanliness, and desirability of the system, you’re still not paying attention – no extra money is needed. It’s all about letting MARTA spend money in MARTA’s capital accounts. The State shouldn’t control MARTA’s budget. I’m betting you don’t pay for MARTA at all – probably don’t live in Fulton and DeKalb – so shut it.
BTW, the “flat screen tv’s” are free to MARTA: they bring in advertising money, so they actually help MARTA’s budget.
Brad
April 7th, 2009
2:12 pm
Ok last night a news story said 500,000 people depend on MARTA everyday. MARTA needs about an extra $25,000,000. Why don’t the raise the rates by 25 cents per person who rides. 500,000 people X .25 = $125,000 per day X 200 days= your $25,000,000
CC
April 7th, 2009
2:14 pm
I love MARTA but I don’t understand why they gave out 4% raises to their employees this year if they are struggling for cash. Most companies have not given out raises but MARTA has been beefing up their employee’s salary and yet asking the state for money. Their Police force is one of the highest paid. WHY?????
Peter
April 7th, 2009
2:17 pm
Sonny is not worried about MARTA…..BUT hey if Sonny couldn’t build his own special “Fish Hatchery” at a cost of $25 Million, he would be upset !
We need more Fish……… not transportation….Please folks get this correct !
A Fishing Tournament is much MORE IMPORTANT than Folks getting to work !
Jim
April 7th, 2009
2:17 pm
When will you morons like “t” get it through your thick, dimwitted skulls that not one cent of MARTA’s funding comes from any other source but ticket fares and a Fulton and DeKalb county sales tax. MARTA receives ZERO state funding, ZERO county funding (except Dekalb/Fulton) and ZERO city funding – not even Atlanta funds it.
Mike Vick
April 7th, 2009
2:20 pm
People we shouldn’t be surprised!!!!!!! This is the same governor who lied to all the rednecks and told them he was going to give them back their state flag. The same governor who flies his family and friends to see the Bulldogs versus whatever SEC team in the state sponsored helicopter. The same govenor that opposes grown adults chosing to decide if they want to buy alcohol on Sunday’s or not. The same governor who was so quick to claim sucess on bringing the Daimler/Chrysler plant to Savannah before that fell through. Yet, all the people in middle Georgia who supported “The Good Gubner Sonny Perdue” can barely pay their bills. This guy can not get out of office fast enough.
skeptical
April 7th, 2009
2:20 pm
Perdue’s response is very typical of this legislature and that’s an abomination. I agree with T.J. citizens (especially those of us that use MARTA) should have been calling our representatives to make them resolve this. Instead of legislators doing the easy thing to fix this problem, they choose to do the opposite adding to the problem and making it worse for everyone…especially during this recession. They are completely inept. I hope everyone took notes to see who opposed this bill!!!
Skreet
April 7th, 2009
2:21 pm
Sonny wants Atlanta and MARTA to fail. He always has disliked the metro area and its loose morals. I guess Gov. Barnes wasn’t really that bad after all.
Bill
April 7th, 2009
2:21 pm
The Republicans in this State are hell bent on living in the past and running this State and Atlanta, which the Democrats for 150 years made one of the most prosperous and fastest growing states and cities in the country, into the ground. This legislative session amounted to allowing pick up truck drivers continue to drive without seatbelts, refusing to allow the voters to approve sunday alcohol sales, and passing embyro adoption. How ignorant. God, please let common sense prevail and lets elect a democrat as governor.
TTPB
April 7th, 2009
2:24 pm
There is absolutely no reason that MARTA should shut down – AT ALL! Georgia needs to recognize the needs of MARTA and structure the budget to accommodate them. They must have their own “pork” to fund with the MARTA money that is sitting there ….
Atlanta Son
April 7th, 2009
2:24 pm
Here is another prime example of the peanut boys and their associates trying to control and destroy somthing that they did not contribute to…The City of Atlanta. First, we have people that use this city every and all day; when they have gotten all of the “Peoples” tax revenue that they needed to build up the areas they live in, they make motions in the legislature to form their own cities and counties so that they do not have to contribute to the engine that built their communities, enriched their families and provided the lifestyles that they feel that they are entitled to. My suggestion, build toll bridges around the city. If you do not want to help maintain the city that you come into and destroy on a daily basis we will find a way to make sure that you pay. Will all of the the real ATLANTANS PLEASE STAND UP?!
TTPB
April 7th, 2009
2:25 pm
No need to raise rates … MARTA has plenty of money already! Not sure WHAT, or WHO, is holding these “purse strings” but they better hope no one finds out ….
MARTA Watcher
April 7th, 2009
2:27 pm
It’s not as simple as “just let MARTA spend the money already in the bank”. When MARTA was enacted the powers that be mandated that half of all monies be invested in capital projects so that MARTA would continue to grow. While one can argue about how well that has worked out, just imagine the lack of growth if MARTA was allowed to spend all of it’s money on operational (day to day) expenses.
As one who has seen MARTA from the inside I have seen some of the most inexcuseable wastes of money – both capital and operating – that are clearly at the core of MARTA’s money issues. Instead of just passing this waste on to the taxpayer, how about MARTA board and management get involved in what REALLY happens and stop the waste – just as any FOR PROFIT business must do OR GO OUT OF BUSINESS.
J for Real
April 7th, 2009
2:28 pm
Sonny got elected because he killed the Northern Arc. He was supposed to have better solutions but traffic is still BAD on the top end perimeter and north metro. Elect Roy and build the northern arc while there is land available that hasn’t been bought by developers.
Sandy
April 7th, 2009
2:28 pm
The accidental Gov fails at transportation again and his excuse is they didn’t ask for his help.That shows where his head and heart is.
a former republican
April 7th, 2009
2:29 pm
TJ…I think we should pass this more to others.
Brad
April 7th, 2009
2:30 pm
Hey Atlanta Son “If you do not want to help maintain the city that you come into and destroy on a daily basis” the people of Atlanta are already doing a fine job of destroying the city, they don’t need are help.
unknown
April 7th, 2009
2:31 pm
This is Perdue!! We all know he doesnt care about anyone besides his self. Impeach Him!!!
David
April 7th, 2009
2:31 pm
Ok people now this proves my point – Sonny Perdue doesn’t care about anything not even MARTA. He has not stood up for the unemployed in Georgia nor will he stand up for MARTA. Yes MARTA has issues for years but MARTA is the key to ATLANTA growing, and no one from Sonny Perdue office has offered to help. Let MARTA shut down and watch the companies leave Atlanta – if you don’t believe me WHY do we have such high unemployment. Atlanta is in a mess and thanks to Sonny Perdue it will not get better. MARTA go ahead shut it down and let ATLANTA fall maybe they will help you after that point. So go ahead prevent the people who need to use MARTA miss work, going to the doctor, and school. And see ATLANTA fall !!!! We should take a stand and have an old fashion march on the capital regarding all these issues…
Perdue: No special session for MARTA | Fresh Loaf
April 7th, 2009
2:34 pm
[...] the AJC’s Gold Dome Live: Gov. Sonny Perdue told reporters that his staff met with MARTA officials Tuesday morning in hopes [...]
WestsideATL
April 7th, 2009
2:35 pm
MARTA has approx. $65 million in capital reserves. Based on their FY10 budget, they’d tap into $24 million of that in FY10 and then burn through the remaining $41 million in FY11. By FY12, they project an $89M shortfall (with no reserves left).
While freeing up the capital money is certainly a short-term fix, it is by no means a panacea as people have made it out to be. It spends money that was set aside specifically for expansion (i.e. Memorial Dr BRT, BeltLine, etc.). Using up the capital reserves (which MARTA can bond against) only makes those projects less viable in the long-run. There’s got to be a better solution to fix the operating budget.
Really?
April 7th, 2009
2:36 pm
MARTA isn’t run by the “government”, it’s run by the same type of greedy people who have run every other major BUSINESS into the ground! It’s their own fault, and now they don’t want to have to deal with the fact that they’ve screwed up, they just want some to BAIL THEM OUT.
Patrick
April 7th, 2009
2:37 pm
Everyone please take a break to read the annual report and audited financial statements (particularly note 4), as well as management’s discussion and analyis. Then try to make an argument for or against MARTA.
One thing I would like to point out (as a MARTA rider) is that MARTA has operated on an operating loss for a while. Their financial bind is not necessarily new. It’s just “hot” news. Kind of like shark attacks. When nothing else seems to be getting attention and everything else is played out, the national news talks about shark attacks. Likewise, Atlanta news will focus on MARTA. It’s easy to rile people up and increase viewership and readership…..As proven here.
Patrick
April 7th, 2009
2:37 pm
I forgot the link to the annual report. Sorry.
http://www.itsmarta.com/about/financial/index.htm
Tay
April 7th, 2009
2:37 pm
DL, do your research. As it has been stated many times during this post, MARTA isn’t asking for tax increases or extra pay from the state. All they want is access to money they already have in their coffers that is set aside for other projects. Also, those “flat screen tvs” you are talking about do not cost MARTA, they are actually generating funds through advertisements. All they play are advertisements and recorded local news. Neither you nor Sonny pay for that anyway. Do your homework or leave your uninformed comments in the “Vent” section.
Michael Halicki
April 7th, 2009
2:37 pm
MARTA is on my mind. If only it was on Sonny’s “Sonny do” list.
Michael Halicki
April 7th, 2009
2:38 pm
Enter your comments here
Patrick
April 7th, 2009
2:38 pm
MARTA is semi-operated by the government, please read the annual report and look at the Board of Directors.
Christy
April 7th, 2009
2:40 pm
Who cares about MARTA? That’s why it is so nice to live outside the city and not have to worry about all the crap that you people do. Gotta love that black leadership! MARTA, Clayton County, APD, Grady, the list goes on and on! No problems up here in Alpharetta
Lucas
April 7th, 2009
2:40 pm
The 50% funding split was applied to MARTA when it started. Now it’s built out, with no further expansions planned, so no such capital expenditure regulations are necessary. The legislature holds the “purse strings” because they get to use it as a bargaining chip, even though the vast majority of legislators do not represent contributing counties.
Sure, MARTA’s management probably sucks. But you know what? I ride it to work, and now I won’t be able to, because of a silly political circus. Grow up, Sonny, grow up, MARTA, grow up, Georgia. Atlanta doesn’t want your damned tax money. We have enough of our own – we are the 10th largest city in the US. If you let us run our damned city, we’ll stay the hell out of yours – which is what you want anyway. So let’s make a deal for once, hunh?
Opus X
April 7th, 2009
2:40 pm
If MARTA is allowed to tap the capital fund, and they blow through that as they surely will, they will then go to the GA taxpayer for operational funds AND funds for capital improvements. They need to make due with the budget they have.
And if you don’t think MARTA is playing polictics by picking a weekday as the day they close, you are fooling yourself.
Sense Common
April 7th, 2009
2:40 pm
Time and time again it happens. A good piece of legislation gets caught up in the greed to get a bad piece through. Unfortunately the Governor doesn’t watch every piece of Legislation. However MARTA officials had a special interest in this Bill and when they saw what was happening (if they were even following), they should have spoke up and cried fowl. This is what the lobbist normally do, however if you do not have a lobbist, then you lobby for your own cause. Besides, it looks as though a special session will be called to settle next year’s budget. Why doesn’t MARTA ask to be included on that agenda?
But for MARTA to make threats like “cutting services to the Braves games”, that isn’t helping. First why would MARTA do that. That is the only time that they actually make a dime. I realize MARTA serves a greater purpose and 90% of that purpose is lost revenue. But the Brave’s games are profitable and my advice for anyone with a bus, to take up where MARTA leaves off. Let’s see I promise a drop off and pick up at the front gate for $5 for a 2 mile round trip. Average bus load for the game is 30 passengers and each bus picks up about 8 loads. About $1,200 a night less the $100 in fuel and the $250 for the driver and insurance still leaves a pretty penny profit. And how many home games are there?
ALesure
April 7th, 2009
2:41 pm
MARTA should be funded by all the metro counties that drive their buses into the city of Atlanta each day. To decrease services at this time is stupid. Have we forgot about the gas prices! The Georgia House and Senate needs to come together and come up with a solution to restructure MARTA so that all who benefit share the cost not just Fulton and Dekalb.
Curtis
April 7th, 2009
2:41 pm
Sonny, just because the City’s largest local tranportation provider(MARTA)made no effort to get you involved in passing legislation that would have freed up funding for the system is not a reason for you NOT to get involved…….you’re the Gov. for Christ sake!
Lucas
April 7th, 2009
2:44 pm
PS -
“Christy,” we’re as glad as you are that you don’t live here in Atlanta. Please continue to keep your pretty racist head OTP.
update: your "leaders" speak about the marta situation. | Atlanta Metblogs
April 7th, 2009
2:44 pm
[...] his part the governor just seems torqued that nobody asked for his help, which makes sense seeing as he and his staff are so effective at getting legislation passed [...]
professional skeptic
April 7th, 2009
2:44 pm
MARTA watcher… Please tell us, are you also a ROAD watcher? Do roads meet your lofty criterion of self-sustainability and profitability? Do ROADS pay for themselves without support from taxpayers? With the possible exception of GA-400, I think not!
So, why don’t we just put a halt to all expenditures relating to roads and highways and let the ROADS GO OUTTA BID-NESS TOO?
ROADS AIN’T PROFITABLE! ROADS COST TAXPAYER DOLLARS! SHUT ‘EM ALL DOWN!
Thank you, MARTA watcher, for your biased display of hypocrisy with regard to transportation.
L. Adams
April 7th, 2009
2:45 pm
Mr. Perdue:
Sometimes governing means that you have to proactively do something. It means more than just saying “No” or being the party of No.
So let me understand. Because MARTA did not explicitly come into your office, you decided not to take a leadership role? That’s very good leadership. You should be commended – not by me though.
MARTA is a part of the Atlanta metro backbone – supporting and supported by both business and citizens… much like Disney World is to Orlando. Shame on you Sonny Perdue for turning the other cheek!!
Atlanta Son
April 7th, 2009
2:47 pm
Thank you Christy!!! You just proved so many points about the type of person that you and so many of your people are. I am sure that your job and your sense of elitism/entitlement was made possible due to the hard work of the old Atlantans, both black and white, who worked very hard to make sure that Atlanta was a powerful economic engine that would surpass the rest of the south in almost everything. By the way, I am sure that you are not from here. Why did you come?
HCCynic
April 7th, 2009
2:47 pm
There is another option or plan:
1. Let the System file bankruptcy
2. Bust the Union
2a. Eradicate the current management and fumigate their offices
3. Split the rail service from the bus service
4. Scrap the busses
4a. Clean the trains and stations with Ajax Antibacterial…If Ajax will not clean ‘em, try a blow torch to burn the germs and viruses off…
5. Sell the rail line to a private entity not endebted to any past, or current mayor, or their family
6. Allow the private entity to modernize and expand the rail system into the suburbs without paying tribute to any past political regimes,
7. Allow the private entity to hire the best qualified for any open jobs instead of using MARTA as a “make work” program for professional victims or those politically connected
8. Relax the rules of engagement to allow citizens to pre-emptively deal with the panhandlers and hustlers who roam freely about the system
9. Raise the fare
Sally
April 7th, 2009
2:48 pm
What a coincedence that the day that has been proposed to drop Marta service is also the day that the city offices are closed; at least the city employees won’t be inconvenienced. What a coincedence also that both Marta and Shirley Franklin seem to be taking a similar stance where if they don’t get what they want they are going to make things very unpleasant for the citizens. Shirley wanted a tax hike which City Council refused so she layed off police and firemen and Marta now is threatening to shut down service. Assuming that Marta is really short of operating capital, perhaps things would not be like they are if they had not squandered money on things like personal trainers in their gym. How did Marta survive for years on the current arrangement? What will happen after they pillage this fund, are they going to ask for a tax increase to pay for necessary improvements to the system? FIRE THE IDIOTS IN MARTA AND THE MAYORS OFFICE AND GET SOME COMPETENT PEOPLE IN THERE.
HB
April 7th, 2009
2:49 pm
“Why should Savannah, Columbus, and Augusta (who support their own transit systems) pay for the disaster that is MARTA.”
I tell you what, why don’t we let Atlanta keep all the tax money generated here and lavished on these other cities (and their people who seem to hate us but love our money). That should be more than enough to pay for MARTA.
Christy
April 7th, 2009
2:50 pm
“Atlanta Son” I was born and raised here thank you. Why do blacks get so upset when someone SPEAKS THE TRUTH? That is all I did. Who is on the news NIGHTLY causing shootings? Who causes 99% of the violence in the city? Who ruined Buckhead? Who is ruining Atlantic Station? They are called facts.
Paul
April 7th, 2009
2:52 pm
why is the Marta problem the problem of the entire state? why is it that people who live in the metro area assume that they are the entire state? if the public transportation system in Athens or Valdosta were shut down due to a lack of oversight would there representatives even be allowed to meet with the governor? Just wondering.
Jena
April 7th, 2009
2:58 pm
Atlanta sucks. Georgia sucks. Purdue sucks. Christy from Alpharetta, you suck (”Gotta love that Black leadership!”).I’m getting out of this dumb state.
Pamela
April 7th, 2009
3:00 pm
This is a shame! MARTA officials are a joke! I feel and believe that the federal government should take over MARTA. It has been proven that MARTA ridership has grown well over 8% in less than a year..by the way it has also been proven that it has grown more than any other large city in the U.S.A.
MARTA officials are just greedy and they really could care less about people that need MARTA for their transportation!
I used to use MARTA all the time because at that time I had no other form of transportation. There are a lot of people that depend on their service and need it.
Is it fair for people to miss work or school or whatever they have to do because MARTA sorry officials want to stop services on Fridays? No it’s not fair.
I hope and pray that MARTA is taken over by the Federal Government…maybe then things will be at least a little better and all of these top management people can say good bye to their jobs!
skeptical
April 7th, 2009
3:01 pm
MARTA Watcher…if you’ve watched MARTA from the inside then you should know that MARTA legislation was enacted in 1965…1965! Who’s still operating a business as if its 1965??? Ya’ll are backwards.
Storm
April 7th, 2009
3:02 pm
And you wonder why we keep voting down MARTA in Gwinnett. The defense rests!!!
Pamela
April 7th, 2009
3:04 pm
Christy you are such an ignorant idiot! It is obvious that you are from a trailor park and live there! You are white trash!!!!
Just go back to your little trailor and get back in bed with your brother/father/cousin..shoot they are all the same person! You are so ignorant and a disgrace to human kind!
skeptical
April 7th, 2009
3:05 pm
Yeah Storm and I bet you and the defense is resting in that 85-North mindknumbing traffic too! LOL!!
DL
April 7th, 2009
3:05 pm
ATLin83, you are a fool. My comments are not uninformed! I do live in Dekalb and have been ROBBED on Marta as well as have had several other friends that have been ROBBED on Marta! It is extremely unsafe! A person cannot ride the train alone and I would never let anyone I care about ride it alone. Get your act together and you can shut it! Why don’t you help them EBAY these FREE TV’s so they can stay afloat???? Ever hear of print advertising? Wouldn’t that help the budget? So….let me repeat, Marta is UNCLEAN, UNSAFE, and UNDESIREABLE! Perhaps bc people such as yourself are riding it ATLin83!!!!!
Patrick
April 7th, 2009
3:06 pm
Christy – Actually what you have voiced are opinions unless you can back them up with facts and statistics. Please quote your sources. I think you will find your opinions hard to back up. I would particularly love your source on the “99% of the violence in the city”. Good luck.
Jena – I was born and raised in Georgia. Lived in Stone Mountain, Norcross, Duluth, Athens and now live in Buckhead. I used to travel the entire state for my previous job. Georgia and all its cities certainly have its faults, but if this wants to make you leave the state I love, please do so and make it fast. And make sure to take your opinions with you.
professional skeptic
April 7th, 2009
3:07 pm
Paul, the problem stems from the fact that the state has direct control over how MARTA spends its own money, even though the state contributes nothing to MARTA’s revenue stream.
In essence, a bunch of state legislators from OUTSIDE Atlanta are
(1) Telling MARTA that it cannot spend money on operations that it already has in the bank, and
(2) Telling metro Atlantans that we cannot tax ourselves to fund our own transportation solutions.
THAT is why we have such a problem with the state. The state wants to control what we do, how we spend our money, and tell us we can’t pool our own money together to spend on the transportation solutions that make the most sense for us.
In this sense, the Legislature and the Governor is setting a prime example of how Big Government works to take the power out of the hands of local citizens and concentrate it in the hands of the elite few.
Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think the state has any say over how the transportaion systems of Athens or Valdosta operate or spend their own funds.
Lucas
April 7th, 2009
3:10 pm
Christy, Alpharetta is the pits. It’s one giant strip mall, full of obsese people with obese kids, driving way too fast – through gridlock – in oversized cars – on their way from big box store to big box store to McMansion. I’ll stick it out down here in Fun City, thank you very much. I’ll take gangbangers and drag queens over you tasteless slobs any day of the week.
Bobby
April 7th, 2009
3:11 pm
Well, Jena. If I wasn’t already 55 and getting close to retirement I would leave this backward State too. I’ve given up on intelligent responsible Republicans or Democrats running the State. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if General Robert E. Lee gets off of Stone Mountain and leaves the State too.
Oakhurst
April 7th, 2009
3:14 pm
It’s sad that the governor doesn’t realize what MARTA can not only do for Atlanta but for the state. If you look at Forbes Magazine and other major publications they repeatedly criticize Atlanta for not expanding MARTA and for the grid lock on the highways. Over and over experts state that expanding the roads from 8 lanes to 12 lanes will not reduce the traffic congestion. The answer is to provide better public transportation to take people off the roads.
Read further along in these magazines and other reports about the state and repeatedly we are seeing major corporations leaving Atlanta or shying away from establishing their home office here because of the grid lock and lack of public transportation. In other words we are losing large amounts of tax dollars from major corporations because the Governor is ignorant and won’t fix the public transportation system in order to relieve congestion from the roads. He should be a smart enough man to figure this out. And if he can’t his aides should. There needs to be a complete overhaul of the DOT in this state and we need to bring in somebody who has experience with a large metropolitian city with a good public transportation system. I can say this without feeling guilty b/c I have family members who work for the DOT in Atlanta and they are just as ignorant. None of them understand that improving public transportation instead of adding lanes will do wonders for this city and state. “Buckhead Betty” already causes wrecks swerving across 8 lanes of traffic to her exit…imagine adding more lanes.
And for those who don’t live around Atlanta, you unfortunately are being hurt by MARTA not surviving because the state is losing out on tax dollars from large corporations that are moving away or all together deciding not to come to the state of georgia. Everyone in the state loses if MARTA loses.
thetruthhurts
April 7th, 2009
3:15 pm
Go Christy!
DL
April 7th, 2009
3:15 pm
TAY- seriously….thanks for the laughs! I hope Marta goes under, especially if you depend on it.
Eric
April 7th, 2009
3:19 pm
According to that linked 2008 annual report, 78% of MARTA’s operating expenses are “labor and benefits”
I’m not sure how tapping into the capital improvements surplus will help fix this problem in the future.
Sounds like it’s time to propose some sweeping pay and benefit cuts. I’m sure in this economy there are plenty of people willing to take jobs if the current employees would rather quit than take the cuts.
curt
April 7th, 2009
3:20 pm
Georgia is once again leading the way in being behind when it comes to transportation; just like it does on so many other issues from education to letting people decide if they want to buy alcohol on Sunday. Mass transit will never get support from Georgia politicians until they look beyond “campaign contributions” from the highway lobby and think about the good of the people who elected them and the state we call home.
Stacy
April 7th, 2009
3:22 pm
I have read several of the comments made on this site, and so many are valid…But, shouldn’t our comments and phone calls be made to the Governors office instead?
alan
April 7th, 2009
3:23 pm
Say Christy – you say that you loving it up there in Alpharetta and the Black leadership hasn’t destoyed it. First of all, Hartsfield-Jackson is the largest economic generator in Georgia (ran by Black folks). Second, I hate it when White folks like you like to run down MARTA or Atlanta but yet, whenever the Braves play, you run your behind down to the train station and ride MARTA. When the Bulldogs play Georgia Tech, all you see on the trains are White people. When it’s convenient, White folks want to ride MARTA. Too bad they can’t charge a usage fee for such rats. Moreover, without Atlanta, where would Alpharetta be? And just in case you missed the news flash, companies don’t decide to relocate to Georgia based upon what Alpharetta has to offer.
south side
April 7th, 2009
3:24 pm
Christy, Hate to bust your bubble but the state is 2 billon in deficet So Tts not just blacks that are not doin there job. This idiot cant even come up with transportation solutions.Georgia goverment is no different than Atlanta or Clayton probably worse.
Christy
April 7th, 2009
3:26 pm
Patrick, TURN ON THE LOCAL NIGHTLY NEWS YOU MORON AND YOU WILL SEE MY FACTS!
Cowboy
April 7th, 2009
3:28 pm
“Christy” you’re a complete idiot. Alpharetta sucks!!!
Call your legislator
April 7th, 2009
3:29 pm
Leaving comments on the AJC blog does nothing – contact your state senator and representative now!!!!!!
Road Scholar
April 7th, 2009
3:32 pm
Lucas: MARTA does have plans to expand. They have done preliminary studies and public involvement for line extensions in all 4 directions (that is north, east south and west for you, Sonny). The north line, then the east line seems most likely due to evaluation. They do NOT have the money to expand though. This is called PLANNING, something Sonny just (after 6 years)did with passing a bill with a Director of Planning appointed by him.
Cowboy
April 7th, 2009
3:32 pm
“Christy” Why is the state in a $2billion deficit, if only black leaders are ineffective? Come up with a good one…I dare you
OMG CHRISTY!
April 7th, 2009
3:33 pm
Christy, Christy
I am embarassed to have grown up in Alpharetta right now. I just hope those more enlightened will understand that your narrow point of view is not indicative of the people who call Alpharetta their hometown. I certainly hope that you weren’t a teacher or Sunday School teacher of mine or if you were, I am proud that I have overcome that.
Christy
April 7th, 2009
3:34 pm
Ha ha. Good job Alan. I wonder why Verizon is building a muli-million dollar building in ALPHARETTA and will offer 600 new jobs. If Alpharetta sucks, there is not a word out there that would describe the shi_hole city of Atlanta. All I know is that in the 50’s-70’s, when it was all white, everything was great! We all left and look at it now.