Annapolis Capital Punishment

Well, Mayor Moyer, you did not have to go to Europe to learn about the mess we are in and how to get out of it, but let’s face it, we have had a car culture since we really grew as a country while they always had a walking and horse riding culture as they developed. Their land use is all different. Their outlook is all different and with the exception of the Scots and Norwegians, they ain’t got no oil. So, why go there? Surely they do things better when it comes to moving people around but we have plenty of experts here and plenty of cities that do things ell right here. And you after all, are the CEO of a corporate that already owns a bus system. You want better--okay, let’s make it better. CP supports you. Let’s make it happen. But a free bike loaner program? Water taxis? Puhleeze! Those are band-aids, Easy and cheap, quick and basically palliative. But they don’t address our real concerns.
Besides, you have seen that we have had meetings, done studies, hired consultants, had more meetings and more meetings. So, you have come up with a trip to Europe to tell you that we need free bikes and water taxis? Pardon me while I fall over…..clunk. Okay, now that I am standing again. Mayor Moyer--if you wish to deal with out transportation challenges, we have real solutions waiting to be put to work here. What it takes is your willingness to listen and to provide leadership. And it can begin by helping the 500 or so city employees find ways to commute other than by driving in their SOV cars. Then you can put some real oversight into the dilapidated and mismanaged bus system that we all would love to see improved.
But please, don’t expect water taxis and a free bike loaner program to have too much of an impact. Finding a bike is not the problem. The problem is WHERE DO WE RIDE THEM???? And by the way, water taxis emit plenty of pollutants, whether on a per vehicle or per capita basis, and right by or into the waters. If I can walk from Carroll’s Creek Restaurant to Davis Pub or to downtown in a matter of minutes, how will a water taxi help me? Mayor Moyer, you have always been enamored of the water taxi idea, but nobody else seems to support it, so please, give it a rest. And this is coming from a professional Merchant Marine Officer by the way. However, if you can work with the County to re-open the David Taylor facility, then we can talk about water taxis!