If DC had a transportation plan would it make a difference?

I really don't know. There is no question that in the Washington Metropolitan region, by far and away the most enlightened set of elected officials when it comes to transportation officials are those officials on the Arlington County Board. Sure, we know that Chris Zimmerman is one of the best locally elected officials in the country, yes the whole U.S. of A, on transportation issues.

But if you listen to a speech by just about any member of the Arlington County Board, you discover that Chris Zimmerman has amazing colleagues. They get it, and they speak incredibly articulately on the issues. (I am thinking of a speech I heard last year by Walter Tejada that was particularly excellent).

So considering that DC is a "big city" a "world class city" if you listen to all the chest thumping by various city elected and appointed officials and stakeholders, it's embarassing to have to discuss what DC is "doing" when it comes to "transportation policy," -- promoting gas stations -- I mean, even Chevron is running a campaign about using less energy, less gasoline! -- and parking at recreation centers and libraries. Oh and poorly conceptualized and configured bus and streetcar lines...

Greater Greater Washington writes about another bill entered by Councilmember Thomas, B18-0176, the RECREATION CENTER AND PUBLIC LIBRARY MUNICIPAL PARKING PILOT PROGRAM ACT OF 2009, in this blog entry.

Councilmembers who put themselves out there as enlightened on transportation and/or the environment, have signed on to this bill (and the tax abatements for gas stations bill) as co-sponsors!

All I can say is that it wouldn't happen in Arlington County. Those councilmembers know better. They have a stronger fealty to land use and transportation planning, and they work to reconcile rather than create contradictions in policy and legislation.