Well, evidently Keith Parker as the new head of CATS, the least well-kept secret in Charlotte since Dan Morgan was injured and destined for IR.
Settles once and for all just how political Ron Tober’s departure timing really was — Parker was not going to be tied to the top job until the half-cent campaign was over.
Other topics:
— Final cost for the South line? It is likewise safe to make upward adjustments now.
— First fatality or serious injury once the South line starts running? My guess would be within 90 days if there are going to be any. After that any serious safety problems should be ironed out.
— Interlocal agreements to fund the North line? That’ll be in the spring and that’ll be real interesting. If Huntersville has any intention of pulling a Pineville and back out of train-building, we’ll have some indication then.
— West side trolley? Can’t forget that — the West side surely will not.
— Federal funding for the Northeast? Probably the biggest outstanding question. No where near settled.
Otherwise, we’ll see a return to the 2001-2006 period when critics of the current transit plan are politely ignored, but with the added smirk that a 70-30 win provides. It is a roadmap for disaster, as I’m afraid we’ll soon find out.
