The Special Olympics are over and I hope many of you got the chance to see some of the great athletes and volunteers in action. Something special happens at these events and I’m not sure how to describe it. Its a good feeling that comes across to everyone involved, from corporate sponsors, to people doing security. Everyone was working to make this event a success and they did. Lets all hope that that feeling doesn’t leave with the end of the games. ACCESS PRESS had our photgraphers out scouting the events and on pages 6 and 7 you get a chance to see some of the sights they saw.
Over a month ago Governor Carlson promised to help out with the Metro Mobility crises with some type of loan. I’m sorry to report nothing has happened on that account. The Governor has been arranging meetings between groups of people from the legislature, RTB, DHS and leaders from the disabled community. Unfortunately these meetings haven’t accomplished anything of substance. His office is still trying to think of a way out of his dilemma. The latest word is that some type of a coupon program is being developed. When and if this ever happens is anyone’s guess. Let keep our fingers crossed! ACCESS PRESS did ask the Governor’s office if he is going to ask the 1992 Legislature for additional funding to carry the the program through the 1991-92 biennium. They said the Governor would have to wait and see. I feel this is another ploy by the Governor to avoid funding a program he has said he supports. It does appear to me and many others that the Governor can not be trusted to follow through on his promises.
The Metro Mobility program is too important to let slowly slip away. Governor Carlson needs to hear from you. Call his office at 296-3391 and let him know what you think.
The RTB does continue to cut services, the latest coming in the form of limiting the hours of the “no-trip denial” program. What’s next?
While all the funding cuts for Metro Mobility remain in effect, funding for a possible light rail system seems to appear magically. Planning and engineering are apparently funded even though no one agrees on when, where or even how a rail system might be built. We’ll bring you some ideas on this in future issues.
ACCESS PRESS has learned that the recent actions of the RTB and the Legislature are being reviewed as to legality. Details in the next issue.
If you have any comments for ACCESS PRESS or questions for our panel of experts including Nicole write them down, send them to us or call us at 379-0989. We want to hear from you!
