Audit a red-letter day for MARTA and its board
When MARTA’s history is written, Sept. 25, 2012 may rank in importance only behind the date back in 1971 when DeKalb and Fulton voters first approved a funding mechanism for the agency. Because one way or the other, the audit made public Tuesday by MARTA and KPMG is going to transform the agency.
We already knew that MARTA would have to change dramatically. As the audit points out, the transit agency is on a collision course with financial disaster, with reserves scheduled to be exhausted by 2018. Falling tax revenues that have affected almost all government agencies explain part of that crisis, but only part. MARTA leaders, including outgoing CEO Beverly Scott, understand that significant efficiencies would have to be found in the system if it is to survive.
The good news in the KPMG report is that such efficiencies exist. The bad news is that such efficiencies exist in sometimes embarrassing plenty.
According to the audit, MARTA’s pay scale is reasonable, and staffing levels in some functions are at or below comparable agencies elsewhere. As KPMG auditors also point out, the agency has taken difficult steps to try to deal with its challenge, including freezing salaries for the last five years and eliminating
700 staff positions in fiscal 2011. But as KPMG documents, that isn’t enough:
— Benefits, particularly pensions, are much more costly than they should be.
According to KPMG, “MARTA’s healthcare claim, retirement, and workers
compensation costs are $50 million higher than national averages including both private and public sectors.” Retirement costs alone are some $22 million higher each year than they should be. Renegotiating such benefits is always a painful process, particularly given that 60 percent of MARTA’s workforce is unionized, but the agency has little financial option.
— MARTA’s internal culture and its labor contract tolerate a level of absenteeism that is startling and expensive, forcing the agency to compensate for the recurring manpower shortage by the hiring of some 371 additional employees at an annual cost of $10 million. That is not tolerable.
— While many areas of the agency operate efficiently, those that do not offer
substantial opportunity for cost savings through privatization. According to
KPMG auditors, for example, it costs MARTA seven times as much to process an invoice as it would to outsource that function. It costs MARTA more than twice as much to cut an employee’s paycheck as it would through privatization. By outsourcing those two functions alone, the agency could save $1 million annually.
Altogether, easily outsourced functions could save the agency some $27 million over a five-year period, KPMG estimated. More difficult outsourcing projects could save another $115 million over five years, although in some cases that would require renegotiation of labor contracts. (MARTA’s contract with the Amalgamated Transit Union expires June 20, 2013).
Not all of the savings identified by KPMG will be realized. Privatization, for example, is often oversold as a cost-cutting option, although the scale of potential savings identified in the audit suggests that it offers a critically important option. Reducing pension and healthcare costs will take time, and will require the cooperation of union members who are faced with a choice of protecting current benefits or protecting their jobs.
All in all, however, the audit findings represent an enormous opportunity for MARTA to restore its financial standing and independence and perhaps play a renewed role in the region’s transit future.
That will require leadership. The agency is in the process of hiring a new CEO and is down to its final two candidates. The deciding factor in that choice should be each candidate’s ability and willingness to implement changes on such a large scale in a relatively small time.
And that in turn will require leadership by the MARTA board. While the board has an obligation to MARTA employees, its deeper obligation is to those the agency serves, many of whom are low-income seniors, students and workers who often can’t afford other forms of transportation. Those customers have already been forced to accept repeated cutbacks in service as well as fare increases. As the audit documents, it’s now time to look elsewhere for savings.
– Jay Bookman
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293 comments Add your comment
Mr. Snarky
September 26th, 2012
9:38 am
Or…Obama could hire Mitt as his “Secretary of Firing People” to go along with Slick Willie as his “Secretary of ’splainin stuff”.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
September 26th, 2012
9:39 am
All this does is validate what most of us already knew. Marta is not a well-tuned machine and has no business asking for help from the rest of the state till they can prove they have management in place to take care of business
Well see, these posters at Kyle apparently know everything.
They have told us that sooooo many times.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
September 26th, 2012
9:42 am
I would not want to sit next to someone on a Marta bus after they have run 6 miles.
I have done it…and I have been one to ride. Generally its only one day a year. But then there are certain people who walk by me in the Whole Foods just smothered in perfume.
Welcome to the Occupation
September 26th, 2012
9:42 am
What a total effing idiot, Allen West, a Republican, of course.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0912/81659.html?hp=l7
Call It Like It Is
September 26th, 2012
9:43 am
Well see, these posters at Kyle apparently know everything. They have told us that sooooo many times.
What a witty retort, you missed your calling.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
September 26th, 2012
9:46 am
What a witty retort, you missed your calling
Yes, you would KNOW that too.
ND
September 26th, 2012
9:46 am
The only way to increase revenues in the long run is to expand ridership, and the only way to do that is to expand the rail network. And I don’t mean expanding into suburbs like Gwinnett; I mean building new rail lines within the city and its immediately surrounding areas. I’d like to see a day when the financial failings of the agency can be acknowledged and addressed while the need for expansion can be adequately funded at the same time.
Erwin's cat
September 26th, 2012
9:50 am
we were against privatization before we were for it…
seriously, remember the life guard that got fired for saving a man outside his “territory”…it spark a number of articles on the evils of privatization…including here
Steve-USA "None of the Above"
September 26th, 2012
9:52 am
I have never had the need to ride on the MARTA rail line. What does it cost per ride? Can you buy a weekly/monthly pass?
Thank you very much for the info. Trains rock!
stands for decibels
September 26th, 2012
9:52 am
I mean is there such a thing as white folks affirmative action?
yes. This organization and this organization provide sterling examples of the professional excellence one can expect from such programs.
Marta Rider
September 26th, 2012
9:53 am
Brosephus- you ar right – one white employee, Find me one who is a $100,000 a year bus driver, Marta train driver or police officer..
The days of affirmative action are over except in Atlanta.
Welcome to the Occupation
September 26th, 2012
9:54 am
The only way to increase revenues in the long run is to expand ridership, and the only way to do that is to expand the rail network
Do you have in mind heavy or light lines?
I agree entirely, though. It’s always been MARTA’s fatal weakness, happily seen to by its many enemies who despised the very idea of it.
Still born.
USMC
September 26th, 2012
9:54 am
“The only way to increase revenues in the long run is to expand ridership, and the only way to do that is to expand the rail network….”–ND
I could not disagree more.
What you do is TIGHTEN up and make your organization as efficient at “what you do” and as attractive an alternative as possible; while at the same time increasing customer service and cleanliness. THAT ATTRACTS EXPANSION!
USinUK - thug with a uterus ... and former Girl Scout
September 26th, 2012
9:58 am
USMC – “they don’t go where I need to go, but boy do I love them because they are efficient” said no one. ever.
Brosephus™
September 26th, 2012
9:59 am
EC
I’m not a strong proponent of privatization at all. If it were used properly, then I could back it a bit more. However, privatization does not always make things better.
Brosephus™
September 26th, 2012
10:00 am
Find me one who is a $100,000 a year bus driver, Marta train driver or police officer.
Geez, not this bullsh*t again. Find a $100,000 MARTA bus driver and you might have a point. Seems that nobody else has been able to prove that yet, so maybe you can succeed where others have failed.
Bryan -- MARTA Supporter
September 26th, 2012
10:00 am
@ Call It Like It Is September 26th, 2012 9:38 am
I would love for someone to come into your home and tell you that even though you bring in, let’s say $1,000 that you can only spend half on one thing and half on another, all while not putting a dollar in your income of your home. While MARTA may have it’s problems, a big problem still is MARTA can’t even control it’s money to put it in areas where it may be most needed. Until the state lifts the 50/50 legistation or gives more money the argument that the state needs to do something will always be valid, regardless of MARTA’s financial situation.
stands for decibels
September 26th, 2012
10:01 am
“they don’t go where I need to go, but boy do I love them because they are efficient” said no one. ever.
Liar.
I really really love this puny little bike lane that I pass while driving to/from work. It’s like 3/4 of a mile long and doesn’t begin or end anywhere that is the least bit useful for me, but I really admire the paintwork and the lack of potholes.
stands for decibels
September 26th, 2012
10:02 am
Find a $100,000 MARTA bus driver
I’m sure if you listen to Neal Boortz you’ll hear about scads of ‘em.
USinUK - thug with a uterus ... and former Girl Scout
September 26th, 2012
10:07 am
dB – we’re talking about bus / train routes – not bike paths
zeke
September 26th, 2012
10:08 am
Labor negotiations are not a problem! First thing you do is to tell the morons you will not recognize a public employee union! Then you tell them they have 10 days to sign on a employees, then, those who do not will be fired and replaced! YES YOU CAN DO IT! And where do you imbeciles get off demanding that the state fund the marta budget? NO WAY! Why should the tax money of a farmer in Thomasville be used to support this money pit in Atlanta? IT SHOULD NOT!
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
September 26th, 2012
10:08 am
KEEPS@8:50
I don’t know the answer but I bet it would be a more difficult decision if we were talking about a or-profit entity with shareholders…wait, I reckon the taxpayers are the shareholders..
How would taxpayers respond if it saved millions of dollars? If taxpayers are footing the bill,we will never see meaningful spending cuts if we don’t consider all the options on the table..
In theory anyhow..in another sense, the government unions…no need to take conversation in that direction…appreciate your response…thought provoking to say the least..
Fred ™
September 26th, 2012
10:08 am
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am…
September 26th, 2012
8:37 am
FRED
How’s it hanging?
I’m not sure I understand your question but I think I understand the concept of outsourcing and/or offshoring…My question is in theory, should taxpayers pay more in this instance to keep outsourced funtions in US?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I just wondered if you realized all that is entailed with outsourcing payroll. As to the rest of your question, I don’t think Gov’t should EVER hire other Countries for stuff that can be done by Americans. It really hacked me off the the US Olympic athletes were wearing uniforms made in China. Nothing says Go America, Rah Rah, Patriotism like “made in China.”
TaxPayer
September 26th, 2012
10:09 am
Ride jitney, it’s not sMARTA.
USinUK - thug with a uterus ... and former Girl Scout
September 26th, 2012
10:09 am
OT … YAY! British justice system finally gets its head out of its backside
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/pair-jailed-farmhouse-burglary-122159269.html
stands for decibels
September 26th, 2012
10:09 am
off topic, but is it shallow of me to wish that Obama’s Gallup approvals would inexplicably spike at 54% for a rolling average, say, next week?
http://www.gallup.com/poll/124922/Presidential-Approval-Center.aspx
…just so that they could meet up with that of The Gipper’s in early Oct. 1984, and subsequent head-’sploshuns might be observed?
stands for decibels
September 26th, 2012
10:10 am
dB – we’re talking about bus / train routes – not bike paths
meh, they’re all Commie plots.
Bryan -- MARTA Supporter
September 26th, 2012
10:11 am
And the “$100,000 bus driver” thing is really getting annoying. If that person has driven for years and makes a decent salary and is offered over time and ends up making $100,000 a year what is the big deal? Driving a bus is a SKILL cause trust most of the folks commenting can’t do it. If this was some young white kid working in a tech field getting all that over time there wouldn’t be no question, because he deserves it cause he went to college right? You don’t think you have to go through some type of schooling to learn to drive buses or trucks. Or you don’t think mechanics don’t have to learn what they are doing first? But because this is probably an older black man who earn that and didn’t go to college, there is a problem with that man going out and working to get that money. Seems like a lot of racist haters mad because this person has a skill that he gets paid well to do AND has the opportunity to get overtime doing it and able to give his family a comfortable living. But I guess non-formally educated (ie, college)blacks shouldn’t be able to do that right?
East Cobb RINO, Inc. (LLC)
September 26th, 2012
10:11 am
Zeke, is your real name Scott Walker?
Fred ™
September 26th, 2012
10:12 am
Steve-USA “None of the Above”
September 26th, 2012
9:52 am
I have never had the need to ride on the MARTA rail line. What does it cost per ride? Can you buy a weekly/monthly pass?
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Google is your friend lol. http://www.itsmarta.com/fares-discounts.aspx
The prices vary and there are various subsidies. Some Companies (like Emory) will subsidize a MARTA pass while at the same time MARTA will discount it to them for buying X number of rides.
The train part seems to be fairly reliable, it’s the bus part that sucks. Plus the fact that the trains don’t have great hours…….
Sagegirl
September 26th, 2012
10:12 am
East Cobb RINO: “He will be available to start work on November 7th”
Good thing too because:
Staples Inc. announced on Tuesday that it’s closing 30 U.S. stores and reducing its retail square footage in North America by 15% as part of a strategy to “accelerate growth.”
http://money.cnn.com/2012/09/25/news/companies/staples-store-closings/index.html
USinUK - thug with a uterus ... and former Girl Scout
September 26th, 2012
10:12 am
“meh, they’re all Commie plots.”
commiepinkosocialist, if you please!
kayaker 71
September 26th, 2012
10:13 am
For all of you young people, usually those under 50, the entertainment world lost an icon today. Andy Williams died at age 84. Danced with a bevy of young ladies to Moon River. Rest in peace.
stands for decibels
September 26th, 2012
10:13 am
from UnU’s linkee:
Mansell, 33, from Leicester, appeared in the dock at Loughborough Magistrates’ Court with his arm in a sling earlier this month when he admitted the offence.
and a vewwy, vewwy sad face!
Doggone/GA
September 26th, 2012
10:13 am
“Zeke, is your real name Scott Walker?”
Ask him if he wants the union NFL Refs back on the job. If he says yes, then the answer to your question is yes!
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
September 26th, 2012
10:14 am
WELCOME,
I read your link to Allen West…I think his words are a poor choice to say the least..however, if we are not going to stop messing with other countries…evangelically trying to sell out style democracy, I think BO should have been more firm in his response regarding those who attack our embassies or other assets abroad…
One sign of poor leadership skills is trying to please everyone all the time….message gets fussy since intent is unclear…
Fred ™
September 26th, 2012
10:15 am
Bryan — MARTA Supporter
September 26th, 2012
10:11 am
And the “$100,000 bus driver” thing is really getting annoying. If that person has driven for years and makes a decent salary and is offered over time and ends up making $100,000 a year what is the big deal? Driving a bus is a SKILL cause trust most of the folks commenting can’t do it. If this was some young white kid working in a tech field getting all that over time there wouldn’t be no question, because he deserves it cause he went to college right? You don’t think you have to go through some type of schooling to learn to drive buses or trucks. Or you don’t think mechanics don’t have to learn what they are doing first? But because this is probably an older black man who earn that and didn’t go to college, there is a problem with that man going out and working to get that money. Seems like a lot of racist haters mad because this person has a skill that he gets paid well to do AND has the opportunity to get overtime doing it and able to give his family a comfortable living. But I guess non-formally educated (ie, college)blacks shouldn’t be able to do that right?
++++++++++++++++++++++
Sound to me like YOU are the one with the Racist hate problem. Maybe someone here will pray for you.
Let go the hate man, it’s eating you up like a canker sore……..
stands for decibels
September 26th, 2012
10:15 am
the entertainment world lost an icon today. Andy Williams died at age 84
Dang. I didn’t know that.
Bon voyage to that place that’s wider than a mile.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
September 26th, 2012
10:16 am
Ummm, Stevie. Taxpayers are NOT shareholders. Govt does not pay dividends nor it is a “for-profit” operation. Taxpayers are customers who pay for the services and safety net programs provided by their government. And those costs are based on overall costs, which include the costs of lost money when those taxpayers funds are sent out of their community to some overseas location.
But nice knee jerk code word: Government Unions. Not even bumper sticker quality.
stands for decibels
September 26th, 2012
10:16 am
…and here’s a link to what I suspect is a very nice Weekend Edition interview with the departed Mr. Willions, if anyone’s interested.
http://www.npr.org/2009/10/31/114361963/andy-williams-memoirs-of-moon-river
Fred ™
September 26th, 2012
10:17 am
zeke
September 26th, 2012
10:08 am
And where do you imbeciles get off demanding that the state fund the marta budget? NO WAY! Why should the tax money of a farmer in Thomasville be used to support this money pit in Atlanta? IT SHOULD NOT!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And where the hell does a farmer in Thomasville get off stealing MY tax dollars for his damn farm subsidy?
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 26th, 2012
10:18 am
I know it’s hard every morning for Jay to choose between an “Obama for President” campaign thread or one about MARTA/Georgia Transportation but I called this one right last night …………………
Welcome to the Occupation
September 26th, 2012
10:18 am
Zeke, according to my watch you’ve got oh another 13 minutes before the 3rd period bell.
Break goes quickly, man. Use it wisely!
Fred ™
September 26th, 2012
10:19 am
Thanks dB. I didn’t know he died yesterday.
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
September 26th, 2012
10:20 am
The 100K busdriver is idiotic reference…better to reference all those federal gov’t employees who make more than the average private employee…not including the extreme pension and retiree benefits (not sure about this one) that we can’t likely afford down the road…given all the promises we have made to the unions that we can’t make good on in the future, there seems no answer to the puzzle and we are stuck with no real options to reduce this particular expense..
Thats our federal government…promising high and delivering low..
USMC
September 26th, 2012
10:20 am
“USMC – “they don’t go where I need to go, but boy do I love them because they are efficient” said no one. ever.”–USinUK
UsinUk had a bad spot of tea this afternoon. Put a few more crumpets in your trough, Grumpy.
(I never said it was the “end all”, just a great way of increasing demand & attracting expansion)
stands for decibels
September 26th, 2012
10:20 am
Thanks dB.
well, let’s thank Kayaker, he posted firsties.
USinUK - thug with a uterus ... and former Girl Scout
September 26th, 2012
10:20 am
and a vewwy, vewwy sad face!
okay, that made me laugh
USinUK - thug with a uterus ... and former Girl Scout
September 26th, 2012
10:21 am
USMC – no tea – beginnings of a headcold … I’m somewhere between crappy and crabby
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 26th, 2012
10:22 am
“U.S. president tells the AP a new world order needs to emerge away from what he calls US bullying and domination” ……………….. oooops !, I’m sorry ……….. that was the “Iranian” president that said that.
Welcome to the Occupation
September 26th, 2012
10:22 am
Keep, small quibble.
“Ummm, Stevie. Taxpayers are NOT shareholders. Govt does not pay dividends nor it is a “for-profit” operation. Taxpayers are customers who pay for the services and safety net programs provided by their government”
They aren’t “customers” either. They are fellow citizens entering into public transactions that are grounded in relationship of solidarity.
stands for decibels
September 26th, 2012
10:23 am
better to reference all those federal gov’t employees who make more than the average private employee…
have you compared like:like qualifications–things like degrees required, etc.?
put crudely–There aren’t a whole lot of federal government positions doing minimum-wage type work, and given the “let’s privatize!” mantra we keep hearing, I don’t imagine that’s going to change any time soon.
Jose
September 26th, 2012
10:23 am
so let me get this right
WE WERE SUPPOSE TO APPROVE T-SPLOST SO MARTA CAN GET MONEY
then we were suppose to find out HOW BAD THEY RUN THE AGENCY
you can’t trust either party
both are not honest and up front
USMC
September 26th, 2012
10:23 am
“USMC – no tea – beginnings of a headcold … I’m somewhere between crappy and crabby”
… and as witty as ever with one hand tied behind her back!
(I am learning to watch who’s hand I shake this time if year! eeewwww!)
Fred ™
September 26th, 2012
10:23 am
LOL ever get something caught in the auto snagger and can’t for the life of you figure out what it was?
It can’t be me saying Thanks to Kayaker so it must be the link the the Theme from Love Story by Andy Williams……..
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 26th, 2012
10:24 am
“Hungry Kids Protest Healthy School Lunch Program”
Michelle is starving our children !
Brosephus™
September 26th, 2012
10:24 am
The 100K busdriver is idiotic reference…better to reference all those federal gov’t employees who make more than the average private employee…not including the extreme pension and retiree benefits (not sure about this one) that we can’t likely afford down the road…
And when the discussion is about MARTA, referencing any federal government employee and/or their benefits is, putting it as mildly as possible, idiotic.
If you wish to discuss federal employee retirements, then I suggest you review the changes instituted by Ronald Reagan back in 1987. Since then, federal employees have had their retirements tied up in the stock market just like every other private citizen who has a 401k. There is a small defined pension, but the majority of a fed’s retirement comes from social security and the stock market.
East Cobb RINO, Inc. (LLC)
September 26th, 2012
10:24 am
Sagegirl, you realize I was referring to him going to work for Marta on that day.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
September 26th, 2012
10:24 am
Senior Digits, well child you wanted to discuss Marta yesterday…. now given your opportunity since you have done more than just read a headline (right?) you just post off-topic headlines from your spam.
Way to dazzle us with your “thoughts”. 
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
September 26th, 2012
10:24 am
STANDS,
IMO, there are many similarities to being a taxpayer and shareholder…they both finance operations and are at risk for having to pump more money or borrow more..in general, both are materially affected by outcomes…
And yes, I have no use for unions…the only group fighting harder for relevance are religions..
harvey
September 26th, 2012
10:26 am
It sounds like people who are chronically absent ought to be fired. They would in in any other business.
Jose
September 26th, 2012
10:26 am
THE LIBERAL CATCH 22
protect the marta union employees with high salaries, low employee contributions to health care and PENSION
or
charge the low income and marta dependent riders more money to use the rail/bus to pay for it
Jm
September 26th, 2012
10:27 am
Easy one.
Jay I agree.
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
September 26th, 2012
10:27 am
BRO,
I’ve been accused of worst by better already today:-)
I think it is perfectly fair to compare union results on state level to federal level..
Regarding Reagan…it doesn’t matter to me who is to blame for the federal issue, that’s not relevant now…
USMC
September 26th, 2012
10:27 am
“USMC – no tea – beginnings of a headcold … I’m somewhere between crappy and crabby”
Don’t forget the Hot Matzo Ball Soup, add lots of fresh Dill and freshly squeezed LIME juice.
Head Cold Begone!
And call me in the morning… oh wait!?
Road Scholar
September 26th, 2012
10:27 am
MARTA Saving money: Turn off the signs in the Lindbergh station that only say “Welcome to MARTA”! Where else do you think you are?
At one time MARTA was suppose to be working on a system that would tell patrons when the next NB/SB train was coming…what happened to that? Difficult to do? I think not!
Joe Hussein Mama
September 26th, 2012
10:29 am
W. to the Occupation — “What a total effing idiot, Allen West, a Republican, of course.”
You’d think that after West got shown the door by the Army for his unbridled aggression, shoot-from-the-hip attitude and for threatening and assaulting an Iraqi police officer, he might recognize the value of considering his words and actions more carefully in the future, but noooooooo.
Yes, I know West *technically* retired, but field-grade officers who get slammed with Article 32 investigations generally find their careers stalling out riiiight at that point. In West’s case, I think he either realized or was told that his Army career was over, and that since he had just over 20 years of service at that point, he might as well retire.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 26th, 2012
10:30 am
USMC:
You were gone the other night when “Aquagirl” had this to say about a Navy SEAL with whom she disagreed:
“BTW your whining orders-optional SGT. is….well, a whiner. And a disgraceful b@stard.”
I reminded her that SEALs don’t make Sgt. (they make Petty Officers) but I was also pretty upset about her calling the SEAL a b*stard. Then I did some research and found out that “Aquagirl” has a pretty extensive military record including:
Florida Campaign Medal with two stars (denotes three Spring Breaks to Ft. Lauderdale)
Purple Heart (Cut herself using a blender once).
Bronze Star with Combat “V” device (rescued her neighbor’s cat from a tree).
So ………….. all is forgiven.
St Simons
September 26th, 2012
10:30 am
well, Jawga, you’ve audited marta and mental health to death.
Good for you. Can’t WAIT for the audit of the DOT, State A/P,
gifts to congressmen, and OH, that extensive audit coming
of the privatized jesus-rode-the-dinosaur for-profit charter schools.
kayaker 71
September 26th, 2012
10:31 am
USMC,
A healthy shot of single malt scotch will cure most anything.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
September 26th, 2012
10:31 am
At one time MARTA was suppose to be working on a system that would tell patrons when the next NB/SB train was coming…what happened to that? Difficult to do? I think not!
Last week at the Lindbergh station and 5 Points, that system seemed to be working well. So your problem is?
southpaw
September 26th, 2012
10:33 am
dB @7:26
Aside from Bada Bing, few people on the blog like a good joke more than I do. If I see one some time, I’ll have to be sure to mention it.
More on topic:
John Stossel and some recent guests of his recently shared some ideas about government unions, with some extra attention given to the pensions they’ve negotiated. It didn’t sound like a bunch of union busting, as some might expect from Fox Business. Whether you agree or disagree, it’s an interesting listen.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/on-air/stossel/index.html
Joe Hussein Mama
September 26th, 2012
10:33 am
USMC — “Don’t forget the Hot Matzo Ball Soup, add lots of fresh Dill and freshly squeezed LIME juice. Head Cold Begone!”
My wife swears by Vietnamese Pho. Go someplace that serves it with fresh lime wedges, sliced HOT peppers and fresh basil leaves. Squeeze all the limes into the soup, toss in all the peppers and shred the basil into the soup. Inhale the spicy Asian vapors deeply. Enjoy soup. Feel better.
Brosephus™
September 26th, 2012
10:33 am
Regarding Reagan…it doesn’t matter to me who is to blame for the federal issue, that’s not relevant now…
And you still fail to see the forest because of all the trees that are blocking your view. Go back and research federal benefits and retirement and see how much of an issue is really there. The current retirement system is referred to as FERS and the old one is CSRS.
http://www.opm.gov/retire/pre/fers/index.asp
Until recently, the TSP was optional, but as it plays a vital part in how much an employee has at retirement, it has become an automatic enrolled program and you have to actively opt out of it. Any idea that feds have some huge defined pension is completely bogus, or else they wouldn’t have made it somewhat mandatory to participate in the TSP program.
Jm
September 26th, 2012
10:34 am
The new CEO needs to make big changes
One wonders why Scott and the board didn’t make changes previously
Which does not engender governance confidence going forward
Fool me once…..
MARTA has a lot of credibility to earn back and without serious permanent reforms, support for MARTA will be missing for a long time
Atlanta is struggling and MARTA was blowing cash on outlandish pensions when instead Atlanta needs better transit
It is pretty disgusting frankly
Glad Scott is gone
stands for decibels
September 26th, 2012
10:35 am
I think BO should have been more firm in his response regarding those who attack our embassies or other assets abroad…
oh, do stop being such an enabler. West is talking sh-t. He hasn’t bothered to learn a goddamned thing of the circumstances, obviously, or if he has, he’s just a goddamned liar.
Here is what we know at present.
It was September 11.
Our ambassador, who is largely beloved by the Libyan people, but who faced very real threats from some violent renegade a-holes still operating there, could have been in a fortified, hardened, safe-from-rpg embassy building on that particular date. However, for some reason that we don’t really seem to know yet, he chose not to be and instead was in an ordinary building being used as an ad-hoc consulate office in a large city.
A few people out of a not-very large group of demonstrators used this opportunity to launch an attack. the vast majority people who’d shown up to protest weren’t looking to kill anyone, despite what you may have heard.
That, from what I can ascertain, is what this f-cktarded skank of a “representative” is claiming we should be saying “The Angel of Death in the form of an American Bald Eagle will visit you and wreak havoc and destruction upon your existence”.
He is an a$$hole, pure and simple, and whatever few sensible Republicans that still exist should avoid him.
Jm
September 26th, 2012
10:35 am
To someone’s credit (presumably the board), at least the had the guts to get the audit
Or was it required by the state?
USMC
September 26th, 2012
10:36 am
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801@10:30
Yeah, bless her heart. Isn’t Freedom of Speech a wonderful thing.
I think she once tried to remind me that the Marine Corps is in the Department of the Navy….
-to which I helped her understand that while we are technically Department of the Navy,,,,,
We are MEN’S DEPARTMENT!
(let the “USMC’s War on Women” drivel begin!)
Steve Shamrock
September 26th, 2012
10:37 am
Great blog today…in all sincerity…it takes my mind off:
- 8.0+% unemployment for the past 4 years
- $16 trillion in debt
- 46 million on foodstamps
- The Benghazi cover-up by Carney and Obama
- The mess in Libya, Egypt, and Iran
- Obama hanging out in Vegas and on the View
- The upcoming increase in my taxes and the whole middle class
- My already increasing healthcare premiums
- The fact that Obama thinks we have 57 states
Keep Up the Good Fight!
September 26th, 2012
10:37 am
MARTA has a lot of credibility to earn back and without serious permanent reforms, support for MARTA will be missing for a long time
Because of course back in the 1970s and 1980s Marta was supported so very well and people were all for it.
stands for decibels
September 26th, 2012
10:37 am
shoulda typed “That, from what I can ascertain, is the background upon which this f-cktarded skank…” etc.
(maybe shoulda added a “-’ho” to the “skank.” would that be gilding the lily?)
kayaker 71
September 26th, 2012
10:37 am
stands, 10:35,
Your blood pressure, young man….. your blood pressure.
stands for decibels
September 26th, 2012
10:39 am
Your blood pressure, young man…
thanks, man. think I’ll slap some Andy Williams on the turntable and enjoy a nice glass of port.
USMC
September 26th, 2012
10:39 am
“My wife swears by Vietnamese Pho.”
Joe, my ex-girlfriend(Gosh I miss her!) was Vietnamese(and smoking hot both inside and out) and we used to eat Pho on Buford Highway ALL the time!
And you are right, Pho is awesome for a head cold! Your wife is one smart cookie.
And boy does it taste great! (Tony the Tiger?)
GT
September 26th, 2012
10:39 am
East Cobb RINO, Inc. (LLC) smells is one thing you will become immune to riding mass transit.
Brosephus™
September 26th, 2012
10:39 am
Great blog today…in all sincerity…it takes my mind off:
Seeing that you brought up those topics, they weren’t too far off your mind at all. Either that or you’re simply lying to yourself to help your ego or something.
It would be much more simple to post, “I am an attention whore, so please pay attention to me!!” instead of that crap you posted. That’s a lot less to type.
USMC
September 26th, 2012
10:41 am
“A healthy shot of single malt scotch will cure most anything.”–Kayaker
Shall I bring the Cigars?
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 26th, 2012
10:41 am
USMC:
Sometimes we did joint patrols with the South Vietnamese and more than once caught them listening to their tranisitor radios while they walked but this is just about the most pathetic thing I have read in awhile:
Headline (NYT): “Training Afghan Allies, With Guard Firmly Up”
“BAD PAKH, Afghanistan — When American military advisers fly into Afghan Army outposts like the one nestled on the floor of this forested valley, they keep their body armor on and their weapons loaded ………………. Afghan soldiers and police officers have gunned down 51 American and allied troops so far this year, and now no one is taking chances.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/26/world/asia/in-afghanistan-us-advisers-train-allies-with-caution.html?_r=0
St Simons
September 26th, 2012
10:41 am
having done a few heheh audits in my time, let me say I agree with
auditing processes for the purposes of verifying control, protecting
assets, liabilities & owner equity, improving the process by increased
efficiency, etc.
But in my time, I’ve also seen audits
used as a whipping stick for things a group doesn’t like.
Which one of those do you think these Ga Republicans are most likely
to be engaging in?
Aquagirl
September 26th, 2012
10:42 am
Florida Campaign Medal with two stars (denotes three Spring Breaks to Ft. Lauderdale)
I always went to Daytona/New Smyrna where there are WAVES and SHARKS. So I earned my awards.
USMC
September 26th, 2012
10:43 am
“East Cobb RINO, Inc. (LLC) smells is one thing you will become immune to riding mass transit.”
Yes, a guy who has just run 6.2 miles down Peachtree smells like perfume compared to the odors found on MARTA.
Erwin's cat
September 26th, 2012
10:43 am
JHM
Quoc Huong on Buford Highway has a righteous pho, great sandwiches on fresh baked bread…but….got a 75 on the inspection….also Ming’s Chinese BBQ in the same strip mall is worth a stop too
stands for decibels
September 26th, 2012
10:44 am
- The upcoming increase in my taxes and the whole middle class
- The upcoming confiscation of my guns and ammo
- The forced retroactive gay-abortions of my children
- The voter fraud
- Santa Claus
- Cheney’s soul
Joe Hussein Mama
September 26th, 2012
10:44 am
USMC — “we used to eat Pho on Buford Highway ALL the time!”
That’s defintely a good place to go looking for it — and it’s generally pretty inexpensive, too.
“And you are right, Pho is awesome for a head cold! Your wife is one smart cookie.”
I think I’ll keep her. Wife 2.0 is definitely an improvement over Wife 1.0.
Jm
September 26th, 2012
10:45 am
An observer 8:23 – agreed
Joe Hussein Mama
September 26th, 2012
10:46 am
E. Cat — “Quoc Huong on Buford Highway has a righteous pho, great sandwiches on fresh baked bread…”
Banh mi sammiches?
“but….got a 75 on the inspection…”
Yaiiiiiiii!
“also Ming’s Chinese BBQ in the same strip mall is worth a stop too”
I am always up for some tasty char siu bao! Do they make that there? The buns with sweet red bbq pork inside?
USinUK - thug with a uterus ... and former Girl Scout
September 26th, 2012
10:47 am
haha … everyone’s ’script for me seems to involve booze. I just want to get under a blankie with my dog and go to sleep.
kayaker 71
September 26th, 2012
10:47 am
Joe, 10:44,
Richard Pryor once said, when asked why he had been married so many times…… “I’m gonna’ just keep tryin’ till I get it right.”
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
September 26th, 2012
10:47 am
BRO,
The CBO among others would confirm that federal employees, on average get significantly more total compensation than private sector…this includes retirement, health, and salary..
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/income/2010-08-10-1Afedpay10_ST_N.htm
Also, with exception to PHD’s and the like…who make up a small % of federal ee’s, the delta is pretty significant..
http://www.cbo.gov/publication/42921
Oscar
September 26th, 2012
10:47 am
That’s a heck of a way to run a railroad. Cost operation figures sound way out of line Answer is with leadership. MARTA doesn’t have any.
Some things, e.g. Grady Hospital, public park system, roads, and MARTA serve a useful function and should be kept even though they don’t make a profit. But expenses should be kept within acceptable limits. MARTA doesn’t measure up.