HELLO, IT'S NOT THE COST

The Oregonian has another editorial defending the tram, and it focuses on the cost overruns. Sure, that’s a factor in the public’s irritation, but let’s not forget the real problem here. Let’s assume the tram appeared overnight, and cost nothing to run. I still think it’s a ridiculous idea to put that many people in something suspended from cables. I think it will look ridiculous, and ultimately be seen as a big mistake. I also believe you should be able to buy a home without worrying that some "visionaries" will run a tram over your heads. Maybe if you lived in the Swiss Alps, but not in a major city.
How’s this for an idea: If you’re expanding, have some people work in the new location and some people work in the old. If they have to communicate use video conferencing and if they have to be in two places, redesign their jobs so they just have to be in one. It makes me suspicious that the tram is actually a matter of convenience to make things slicker on some level, not an absolute necessity. I had this same feeling when the judges put new parking beneath Pioneer Courthouse. Sure, there’s an element of added security, but, darn it, the new parking places are pretty convenient, too. Still, at least parking places are a very reasonable thing. If the judges had wanted to pile in a metal box and go on an amusement park ride everyday, I would question that too. What about the security concerns with this beast? The tram is a joke, and the phrase “vital lynchpin” is White-House-level spin.