As always, whenever a loud few start hollering about an issue, there is a great hue and cry coming from them in order to gain a following. They must figure that if they make enough noise, more people will believe them.
The Salt Lake County Commission has made enough noise about the able UTA leader, John Pingree. Enough, already. It is time for the general public to not only take notice but to act on their feelings. I for one am doing that today and I would advise you to do the same before May 12.Pingree is a victim in the ever-swirling political scene over light rail. Even if he were not the general manager of UTA, light rail is a done deal with new federal money already allocated and spent. Light rail is going through; get used to the idea, Salt Lake City. Those who don't want it can stop moaning and look to a bright future of less-crowded roads, including the Salt Lake County Commission.
The UTA board has now been packed with the Salt Lake County Commission's hand-picked choices, the better to overthrow Pingree. Their choices are less than savory. But the rest of the board all have voices. It is time to use them. Do not let this so-called majority on your board scare you. Speak up on behalf of the man you appointed to serve your desires and who has served you well for over 20 years. Don't let him die at the hands of these political culprits who want their own way. There is more to this story than the general public is being told.
You know, long before Congress gets ready to vote on an issue, the pro and con forces have been hard at work. I would hope that the factions on the UTA board who know well the quality of this man and his work have done the same. And by the way, changing horses in the middle of the stream was never a good idea. All you need is one good, hard push. Get out there and do it.
Joyce Tucker
Salt Lake City