What is planning? Is it the process that has reduced the region's transit 
ridership over the last 20 years? There is currently a lesser percentage of 
commuters riding mass transit than there was 20 years ago. Is planning the 
process that delivered our gross excesses of retail and office land and 
desperate shortages of industrial land and affordable housing? Is planning 
the process that spawns Metro Executive Mike Burton to say we have a 
transportation crisis? I want to know what planning is?
   Oregon is touted as a model for the nation in land use and transportation 
planning.  By what measurement are we a model?
   Is the commuter rail a result of our model for the nation planning? 

   How can that be if our Washington County Planning Commission concluded our county needs a bypass and the decision will likely be more rail? 
   Where is the comprehensive study showing commuter rail will provide any of the benefits being proclaimed? Nowhere. Nice planning. 
   Washington County voters (along with the rest of the region) approved the West side light rail and when it became apparent that little benefit appeared 
they quit voting for more rail. That didn't stop rail it only ended voting on 
it. Today 1/2 of 1% of commuters use rail transit. That's right 1/2 of 1%. 
   Now here comes more rail. Why? 

   Extensive and conclusive data from the census bureau, ODOT, Metro & Tri-Met and others shows that reductions in congestion and pollution is nonexistent. Congestion has and will actually increase resulting in more pollution.  
   Washington County residents want relief. Relief is not spelled R A I L. 
   Relief is more road. There is no mystery. This isn't a tough decision. All of 
our freeways, highways and roads are jammed full and nearly all of the time. 
All of the rail rhetoric and rail millions will only worsen the conditions 
and prevent or delay real relief.
   The Washington County Planning Commission recognizes the desperate need for road capacity increases. There is absolutely NO justification for the $135 million and climbing commuter rail. 

   It is irresponsibility, waste and betrayal by self interested politicians.  
As a resident of Washington County and one who speaks for thousands of others I demand an immediate halt to all rail planning, discussions and 
expenditures. I demand responsible leadership and sound public policy. Those politicians who are unwilling or unable to understand the needs of the County should resign immediately. They are not to be trusted. 

Steve Schopp 
stevescare@aol.com