Peace Bridge's sole "authority" debate...continues
Ask ourselves this:
Why isn't our precious community's mainstream media asking the PBA's Ron Rienas more deeply probing questions about this PBA west side takeover matter? We've got many more Questions for Mr. Rienas and the PB AUTHORITY... some of these questions were briefly reviewed and discussed on our interview...many warrant more time and attention than the mere 30 minutes we talked. But let's hack away at a few concernable more. Loads of questions the community hasn't even been alerted to-- but do command our attention.
* Mr.Ron Rienas, let me ask you, why of the 59 options the PBA claims to have studied – only one option was presented as viable? (let’s forget about the 3 shared border management plans as you knew going into the Oct 11th presentation that was not an option). Hard to believe that all options were seriously considered and this was the only one viable – more like this is the only one the PBA wanted to pursue.
* PBA blindsided the community by presenting the worst possible plan – one that builds ramps through a waterfront community, crossing Rhode Island down to Vermont and to add insult to injury, not a single option was presented that included any of the public workshop input from the neighborhood residents – why?
* And what, really, of your slums the PBA owns on Busti Ave – they have been decaying for several years.You can’t expect the city residents to believe you are improving the neighborhood.
* If it was determined that the Peace Bridge has seen its day and we'd do it "better, faster, cheaper" by knocking it down and just building a new bridge, what would happen to the PBA? (sources say if the Peace Bridge goes, the PBA goes too). Why do you process monthly hate mail about a Detroit concern wishing to pay taxes you only cough a nickel toward --what's wrong with healthy co-contributive bridges-- one meant for trucks in a commercial-industrial neighborhood venue?
* What happens when the PBA no longer owes money for construction and maintenance on the Peace Bridge? Who pays for PBA "hazmat" services... how does PBA compensate Buffalo Fire Department services?
...and then there's the mighty quizzical PBAuthority issues on:
"International Compact Entity vs. Public Trust"
1. First of all: What is the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority? Officially?
2. Why are you and your team of lawyers fighting ( currently ) a federal law suit based on the assertion that you are not a NYS Authority?
3. What is an "international compact entity" and why should the public give it tax dollars? Who benefits? Where is the trust there?
4.. Why should the public put their trust and public tax dollars into a entity that states in federal court that they are not subject to any laws in NYS?
5. Why is the PBA in court in the first place? Why did they get sued again after the Fahey ruling in 1999? Why insist that no laws apply to you?
6. NYS Supreme court Judge Eugene Fahey ordered the PBA to do an EIS on the bridge and both the US and Canadian plaza's environmental impacts - but yet the PBA has ignored that ruling and proceeded with plaza construction on both sides of the border, why? Is that something we should call being trustworthy?
7. Has the PBA done an EA (an EIS in CA.) in Canada? if no, why not?
8. Given the current court case and Judge Fahey rulings being ignored, why should anyone TRUST what you say?
9.. What is the basis for the PBA not subjecting itself to FOIA laws or open meeting laws and what does that say to the public who's money you are so pleased to take? Is that trust building Canadian style?
10. Why did the PBA sue a private citizen in Canada for exercising freedom of speech? And does that lend to the trust factor or detract from it? Can we publish the details of that suit and not expect to get sued on the US side? Do you believe in the right to free speech?
11. Why did you recently attend a (Nick Bonafacio) Bi-National Bridge Task Force mtg and basically read a 3 page tirade of counter-charges and threats against US citizens who exercised their right to free speech and spoke out against the PBA plan to demolish more than 90-120 homes on the West side? Why should anyone trust you after reading the way YOU act when being criticized? (Which we are going to post on BRO, btw)
11 Why should we be so trusting and restrained in our criticism when you are either self-proclaimed "above" any criticism itself or so-thinned skinned upon hearing any that you rant, rave and otherwise threaten all self-respecting citizens or residents that dare speak out? Where is the trust there?
12. What is the true condition of the Peace bridge? Why won't the PBA provide to the public the true condition and cost of maintaining the bridge? Why would anyone trust what you say about the bridge when you also say the PBA in not subject to public scrutiny?
13. 1994, the PBA told the public that the public bridge was in serious disrepair and that it would require redecking and other rehab or its deck would literally fall into the Niagara River? It is 2007, and not a further word or dollar spent on the deck repair? Was the PBA lying about that to get the public fears aroused and thus a new twin span quickly approved? What was the "trust us" part of that strategy? Why believe anything the PBA says now?
14. Given the PBA's poor reputation in dealing with its neighbors in the US and CA and your poor public record of telling the truth to the public over the last 10 years - Why should the public TRUST the PBA?
15. Why is a Canadian citizen such as yourself in charge of condemning 90-120 homes in the USA? Would Canadians subject themselves to the opposite?
16. Do any current or past PBA commissioners benefit financially, profit in any way, or get paid from the PBA or ANY affiliated companies?
17. Are all the PBA commissioners politically appointed and how do you hold your post? Were you appointed? For how long? Why were you hired?
18. Do you privately profit in any way other that your salary and pension from the PBA? If so, how?
19. Why did Jake Lamb get fired by the PBA? Was it because he advocated for expansion in the IRR corridor? If he was not fired, what does he do now?
20. Why did the PBA fire Steve Mayer and 2 other US employees when you also came on board? Did they receive any payment not to talk about how they got fired ?
21. How much US fed tax dollars have been spent on the DEIS? And why US tax dollars only? Why is it so one sided -- US loses neighborhoods and homes and parks and FtE loses nothing? Would you or the PBA allow it to happen in reverse? Why not?
22. Why does the PBA expect the GSA and US taxpayers to pay for the bridge and plaza when the Canadian government pays NO RENT to the PBA at all and the PBA floated new bonds to pay for all the new construction on the Ca. side?
22. How does GSA feel about paying for improvements that will benefit Canadians?
23. You recently stated the DHS was to "blame" for all the condemnation requirements, not the PBA, why? and why use the word blame? Does DHS know they are being "blamed" by the PBA for destroying a historic neighborhood?
24. What is the ultimate cost of this project and how much will be paid by US/NYS taxpayers vs. Canadian taxpayers?
25. Who is your boss? Who is the PBA's overall boss? Is there a boss? Who is the PBA board's boss?
If our 30 munite interview seemed like a gattling gun, sorry-- but the NEWS is not covering this story, not engaging the PBA to answer these questions.
I take my hat off to Mr. Rienas sincerely for his openly engaging in debate. Our first encounter may have seemed hurried, but we each promised a second conversation, with research prepared for both concerns....may the above provide fodder for some of Mr. Rienas's research. We'll be talking again soon, here on BRO-- the media that does engage all sides for a community.
May we now prepare for our next conversation Mr. Rienas.
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Comment Options
carlmalone
Zimm's: this is turning into a great advocacy vehicle for you. Fight the good fight my friend. One question I would like to pose the international commerce aspect. It is an important consideration in this all.
The arguement whether globalization is good or bad for the United States provided valid reasons for both. The fact is that for better or for worse we are living in a global economy and it is highly unlikely that public policy pertaining to globalization and free trade will change substantially regardless of which party is in power now or in the future.
The challenge then for companies and businesses in the Buffalo Niagara region is to capitalize on how to benefit in a global economy. One avenue is to enhance opportunities for companies here to export goods and services throughout the world.
The only impediment to increasing our region's prosperity is identifying international markets for local companies to sell their goods and services as well as providing those companies with the pathways to successfully enter these new markets. Increasing the exports of goods and services from our region will only increase economic wealth for employers and employees alike. Regardless of one’s position on the pros and cons of globalization this should be a collective goal for our region. It is not the shared goal right now and our businesses and community are suffering because of it.
While we may not be able to effectuate change in public policy regarding free trade at the national level we can certainly work together to make sure that we can reap as many benefits locally as possible. By exporting as many goods and services as possible from our region to the world, we can do just that.
The bridge plays into this, let's further the conversation
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carlmalone
Zimm's: fight the good fight. Let further the conversation about the importance of international commerce to our region. The Bridge plays into this, although as I will fully admit we do not receive the benefits yet due to unclear thinking but if we are to sell an idea it must be part of it.
The arguement whether globalization is good or bad for the United States provided valid reasons for both. The fact is that for better or for worse we are living in a global economy and it is highly unlikely that public policy pertaining to globalization and free trade will change substantially regardless of which party is in power now or in the future.
The challenge then for companies and businesses in the Buffalo Niagara region is to capitalize on how to benefit in a global economy. One avenue is to enhance opportunities for companies here to export goods and services throughout the world.
The only impediment to our region's propserity identifying international markets for local companies to sell their goods and services as well as providing those companies with the pathways to successfully enter these new markets. Increasing the exports of goods and services from our region will only increase economic wealth for employers and employees alike. Regardless of one’s position on the pros and cons of globalization this should be a collective goal for our region. It is not the shared goal right now and our businesses and community are suffering because of it.
While we may not be able to effectuate change in public policy regarding free trade at the national level we can certainly work together to make sure that we can reap as many benefits locally as possible. By exporting as many goods and services as possible from our region to the world, we can do just that.
The bridge plays a party in all this.
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Boz
This rant is getting ridiculous. These answers about the makeup of the PBA are easily looked up and don't have to turn into some personal attack against Ron Rienas. He's not a commissioner -- he's the bridge manager. Do some basic research and then ask the questions. These issues have been argued for the last decade, so acting like they're something new is counterproductive.
Yes, it's a bi-national bridge, so there are Canadians involved. It is one thing to disagree with the PBA's plan and there is plenty to criticize -- but the tirade that has been building on this post shows a basic lack of research into some very basic facts about what the PBA is and how it functions. It's not a secret -- just look it up!
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zimmermann
Dear Boz,
Your published profile here indicates you joined in here at BRO this weekend-- a hearty welcome. I take it from your comments that this issue means a lot to you as well.
Just one correction to your comment-- what you label as rediculous rant is merely a series of 25-plus questions that need more clarification. But do us a favor, neighbor Boz; take each question and share with us the answer as you see it. This issue won't go away simply because you want the discussion ended.
Wholeheartedly be part of the parade (not tirade as you put it) of questions and answers. If in fact "It's not a secret -- just look it up!" as you say, then do us all a favor and muster forth those answers.
We'll be waiting, rght here, and we'll thank you for your input. Heck, we'll even raise your comments to bear their own separate post if you like.
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Boz
Bill Z e-mailed me and asked me to answer each of his 25-plus questions one-by-one. While I can't asnwer questions like how the GSA "feels" about certain things, I may be able to get started on a few basics.
The PBA is a bi-national authority, with five US and five Canadian commissioners. The Chairmanship alternates between a US and a Canadian member. Four of the five US commissioners are appointed by the New York State Governor (and I think one traditionally has been named by the NYS DOT), and one is appointed by the New York State Attorney General. So those two elected officials, I guess, are the "bosses" of the PBA.
Ron Rienas is the bridge manager, an employee of the PBA. He answers to the ten commissioners, whose names should be listed on the PBA website. So while it is perfectly fair to challenge the PBA's decision to build a certain plaza and take properties, it is not fair to charge that "a Canadian citizen" is responsible for all that.
I think Shared Border Management is the way to go, and that waiting for a new administration in Washington might bring that about. But, in addition to the PBA, local elected leaders such as the Mayor and Congressman Higgins, in addition to local business leaders such as the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, decided not to wait and to go forward with a full-blown US plaza. I would suggest doing some digging in that direction as well as setting your sights on Ron Rienas. He may be the public face of the PBA, but he certainly does not act alone.
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zimmermann
Thanks Boz. That's a darn good start.
You write: "So those two elected officials, I guess, are the "bosses" of the PBA." Boz, just maybe some more open discussion like this will specify the whole truth without guessing. Let's do this together. We still need those 25-plus questions asked and discussed, and maybe even (hopefully) answered.
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Boz
OK, when I said "I guess," I didn't mean that I didn't know! I just meant that the Governor and the Attorney General are who the US commissioners answer to, and then of course to the People who elected those officials. I only said "I guess" because calling them the "boss" of the PBA might be oversimplifying a bit. But I appreciate your passion for this issue as well.
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xosder
Let's get the Ambassador Plan out in the open for all to see right here on BRO. Talk to the Ambassador group - Brian Mirson, PE at American Consulting Professionals of NY who is doing the work for the Ambassador group and present their scheme on BR. They truly have the superb plan and if we get behind that one instead of just bashing this one, I believe we would be further along in exposing the PBA's flaws. We have an opportunity to be pro-something instead of just against the PBA.
When these projects move forward, which could theoretically happen concurrently, both competing structures are going to be looking for funding in the form of a loan through the bond market. If PBA's plan continues to exist the question of whether or not to provide funding for both projects will come down to a couple of bankers in NYC.
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Boz
One question I would add to this list that continues to go unanswered -- Everyone keeps talking about supporting the Ambassador plan and Ambassador simply "going forward" with their plan. This is creating an international border, and as far as I know Ambassador has not gotten ANY approvals from either the US or Canada to do so.
How does Ambassador intend to get the permission, and the resources (border guards, staffing, infrastructure) from either government to go ahead with its plan?
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PBK
Boz....Please explain in simple terms why the PBA is fighting a lawsuit to prove they are an international 'Compact Entity'?
Then explain in your own words what a Compact Entity is. Why would a public authority need that kind of power?
To operate a bridge? Why would local elected officials like the Congressman or Mayor relinquish that kind of power and control to a public bridge authority and a transportation authority?
They build bridges and roads, not communities. And they don't vote or pay taxes. List the names of other government agencies that operate as a Compact Entity.
If you are not sure, research "Seneca Nation". Did you read the PBA DEIS? Be truthful. Because you will be quizzed. In great detail.
By the way...has your historical house that you pay the mortgage, taxes and expenses on been condemned by eminent domain?
Guess who got that law passed ? Yup....the one and only....Public BRIDGE Authority.
Zimm....Keep talkin'.
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AtwaterLouse
xosder, I agree and am puzzled why ABG has seemed so passive and ineffective at getting their message out. But I don't think their focus should be BRO. They really need a PR campaign with a much wider audience, so they will have to find ways to use the Buffalo News, TV, talk radio, and so on. And on the web their near term priority should be making their web site much more professional looking and with much clearer messages. Probably at this point they should hire the best communication firm they can, one with very serious credentials to help focus and spread their message. Weird they should even need to have such things pointed out. And yes, BRO would also be a good place to publicize all details of their plan as well. I just don't think they should proceed as if that's anywhere near sufficient. Seems to me right now they're losing badly, unless they've quietly lined up some strong political support behind the scenes. But if their public campaign has been so weak I don't see any reason to assume their lobbying efforts have been any better. But who knows, I could be wrong about that.
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zimmermann
Dear AtwaterLouse,
We'll be speaking with Ambassador Bridge this week. We'd be pleased if you would join the conversation. This is about getting voices in. Would you consider helping with the interview? Would anyone else like to join us? More the merrier.
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Boz
I will be quizzed in great detail? Some of you are assigning me a much more important role than I deserve!
I can't tell you why a Mayor and a Congressman make the decisions they do -- ask them! I can't tell you why the PBA makes the legal decisions it does -- ask them! I am only pointing out that there are more pieces to this puzzle than one bridge manager, and that making him your whipping boy doesn't solve any problems.
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AtwaterLouse
Bill, I've conveyed the advice I can to them via comments here (see above, especially the need to quicky hire a major communications firm - probably not one from Buffalo). I disgree that it's "all about" getting voices to join in via BRO. I think they've got to greatly improve the effectiveness of their campaign across the board. They've already won over whoever they're going to win over via BRO, for whatever that's worth to them. If BRO is a main part of their strategy to shift public opinion and political influence in their favor vs the PBA, they have no chance. I don't claim to be an expert about their business, but all that's my amature opinion anyhow. Perhaps they're having much more real successes behind the scenes than I'm aware of. If they waste their time having me "interview" them, IMHO they'd be setting their effort back.
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