Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt has turned down a request to openly discuss the Columbia River Crossing issue in a live, unscripted give-and-take with local businessman, David Madore. Leavitt says he will not participate in an interview about the CRC project with the local Couv.com chief and Columbia River Crossing opponent–a webcast that would be seen by untold numbers of people in the region. He’s told Madore to go somewhere else to get answers.
Here’s what an alert 5th Listener sent me:
Victoria, Just found this on Mr. Madore’s FB page. Thought you would find his interaction attempt with Tim Leavitt very interesting.
I just received Tim Leavitt’s response to my request to have a two way conversation with him in a live video webcast on COUV.com about his favorite project. Here is his reply:
Mr. Madore —Thank you for your inquiry and request for a meeting to discuss the CRC Project.
… I am unable to accommodate your request.
Inquiry about details of the project is most appropriately directed to the CRC technical staff that continue to refine the design.
Inquiry about financing of the project is most appropriately directed to our State and Federal Representatives.
Otherwise, my position (as vetted through many, many public dialogues) in support of the purpose and need for the CRC Project for creation of jobs and future prosperity of our Community is well-documented.
You’ll find more detail and factual information at the CRC Project website. (www.columbiarivercrossing.org)
And, really, isn’t that what they’ve all been forcing Clark County taxpayers to do? Go somewhere besides their elected officials to get answers? Madore has put up who knows how much of his personal fortune to get Leavitt and other elected officials to DO THEIR FIDUCIARY DUTIES and get answers to questions about the CRC.
Madore and Plaid Pantry operator Chris Girard, put their personal fortunes and their reputations on the line by funding researchers, economists and a forensic accountant to assess the project and the $150 million in sunk costs in the project. All it has gotten these captains of industry is ignored by elected officials. Clark County elected officials of every stripe have been embarrassing in their response to legitimate concerns about the CRC spending. In fact, these business owners’ work has led to huge changes in the project and moved the Oregon State legislators to issue an audit on the excessive spending on the CRC.
Now Leavitt has gaveled down Madore. Again.
Recently, I’ve been asked by Mr. Madore over at Couv.com to some moderate debates and interview folks running for office. He’s put these up on the Couv.com website and live-streamed them. I’ve also included them on the Victoria Taft blog. See them nearby.
Madore has done this at considerable personal expense. His facilities are state of the art. He has a full complement of people working behind the scenes on each of these webcasts. I’ve given my time pro bono. Madore told me he has done these webcasts to provide transparency on the people and issues in the upcoming elections.
These debates/interviews have been, in my opinion, wildly successful. The conversations have been insightful and even fun. Most Democrats have demurred from the invitation, State Rep. Jim Moeller being a notable exception (and his appearance was very engaging). The discussions been insightful, fun and helpful as Washingtonians begin to think about people running for office in the August Primary and November general election.
Madore has now asked Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt for a one-on-one discussion on Light Rail and the CRC. Leavitt has now said no.
Seems to me if “no” is their favorite answer to the people who pay their salaries and give them their jobs, it’s time to say NO! on everything concerning the light rail bridge otherwise known as the Columbia River Crossing.
Come to think of it, it’s time to say “NO!” to those people too.
Tell ’em where you saw it. Http://www.victoriataft.com
