The true test of any reporter is to write without bias. While I’m as far from a journalist as you get, I will do my best to present my next topic with as little bias as possible: The Silver Spring Transit Center.
Shake my Head (SMH) OR That Sure is a Pretty…What is it?
So I only know two things for sure:
- First, I would bet a lot of money that if you are following the latest developments on the transit center, you have a strong opinion on the project.
- Second, you should follow @SSTransitCenter on twitter because they’re brilliant.
As it often goes, a wonderful idea often doesn’t turn out so wonderful. In the beginning, the idea was to bring the Red Line, Purple Line, Marc train, and 34 bays for WMATA and Ride-on buses under one roof. Your one stop shop for public transportation in the heart of Silver Spring. In 1993, the cost for, what some called Union Station North, was around $26 million. Over 20 years later, the center is 4 years behind schedule, about 450% over budget and there’s great debate over who is to blame and when it will open.
This is one of the few clear examples of how local government can have a less than desirable affect on your life, but it’s examples like this that show why it’s so important to get involved in local politics. As the old saying goes, “if you don’t vote, you don’t get to complain.” That’s why I vote every year. I really love to complain.
Local and state government is what I do both for a living and as a hobby; I love it. Needless to say the last four days have gotten me a little overexcited. My next post in this series will be on Monday and I think I need to be at my best when discussing the next topic… the Purple Line.
Stay tuned….
Significant Thought the complete series:
Significant Thought – Part 1
Significant Thought – Part 2
Significant Thought – Part 3
Significant Thought – Part 4
Significant Thought – Part 5
Significant Thought – Part 6
Significant Thought – Part 7
Significant Thought – Part 8
