News from Assemblyman Patrick Flynn

I’ve been so immersed in the work related to finalizing Anchorage’s new Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), which replaces the former Long Range Transportation Plan, that it took a question from a Fairview friend to remind me I hadn’t provided a recent update.  Oops!  So, operating on the better-late-than-never theory, here’s what’s up.

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It was fascinating to read a recent article regarding funding for KABATA, the state-sanctioned organization committed to building a Knik Arm Crossing without regard for its effects – financial, traffic or otherwise – on Southcentral Alaska.  Even those who might be expected to tout development at any cost, like the Anchorage Daily Planet, are casting doubts.  But what’s most interesting to me is the dichotomy between various representatives of our governor.

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I’m not enjoying writing this in mid-November, in advance of events I expect to occur prior to my posting it, but I’m not sure I can avoid writing it, either.  When I do publish this it will be on the heels of an announcement that Governor Sheffield is no longer Director of the Port of Anchorage, perhaps assuming a post like congressional liaison, but resigned from the post he’s held since the Wuerch administration. (more…)

I’ve received a few questions, and more than a few compliments, for being the lone vote against the now infamous taxi cab ordinance.  To offer some perspective on this topic, below is a lightly-edited exchange I had with a gentleman who contacted me via Facebook and posted on my blog (please note I’ve removed his name to protect his privacy):

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At a 1 pm meeting tomorrow (Thursday, September 29) I expect the AMATS policy committee to release the draft Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) for public comment.  For those who aren’t transportation wonks, it might help to learn the MTP is the guide for allocation of federal, state and local dollars and will replace the existing Long Range Transportation Plan.  Here’s a story from the local paper that provides some insight.

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I received an interesting e-mail last week, here’s how it read:

Greetings,

Our office has moved. Our new address is 820 East 15th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501. Please update your records to reflect the new address.

Thank you,

Amanda True

Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

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For those steeped in transportation planning, news that Anchorage’s Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) is undergoing an update is old hat.  The rest of the world population can be forgiven for wondering what that means.

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I think I’ve previously mentioned that working in local government often affords the opportunity to delve into matters about which one might not otherwise cogitate.  A phone call last week reminded me of just such a topic; towing.

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The announcement that Anchorage filed a federal law suit regarding the proposed Knik Arm Crossing prompted speculation that I was somehow behind that decision.  I know, because at least two prominent backers of the project expressed surprise when they discovered that not only did I have nothing to do with this decision, but I only learned about it when I read the story in the newspaper.

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I’m struggling as I write this, trying to keep in mind two thoughts from those who preceded me.  The first comes from John F. Kennedy:

“I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House – with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.”

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