This was never about the bus system – repeat this was not about the bus system.

The county commissioners were very shrewd and smart in presenting this tax.

First the timing of the meeting – Monday morning – where most working people are at work and could not attend the meeting.

Second – they placed the vote before the two new commissioners were sworn in (just a few days later) that way the two departing commissioners would have no responsibility in the vote and the two new commissioners would have no responsibility with the vote as almost (90% reported) were against the tax.

Third -this was about the $3.2 MM freed up by this tax to be used by the county for whatever they wanted – no strings attached. With the gas tax paying for the bus system, the part the county was putting into the system ($3.2MM) now goes to the general fund.

The bus system may be improved but it was only a vehicle to cover up this release of money for the county. They could have used anything – improving roads, sheriff’s department, library – anything that is a concern to many – the bus system was and is a diversion. So Century you are not the only one being screwed over this – the whole county is – because I would guess 99% of the people that live in P’cola never use the bus.

Unless someone has a better idea – I think the only thing we can do is remember this when it comes time to vote and get all these people , that are supposed to looking out for you – out of office.

On second thought – you might email your commissioner and tell him/her what you think about the way this was handled and tell them you will be voting for someone else next election.