Concentrate reporter Jon Zemke recently wrote a blog post outlining his thoughts (and picks) for the next AATA Board Members.  The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority has two seats up on May.

Jon makes the point that the next Board member should be young, possibly living in Ypsilanti, and someone who rides the bus on a regular basis.

I’ve got some ideas of my own about who the next AATA Board Member(s) should be, which I’ve presented to the Mayor.

I do agree with Jon’s comments about needing someone with a different perspective on the AATA Board.  I defintely think it would help to have someone who rides the bus regularly, to help understand how some of the cuts and decisions made by the AATA impact riders.  I also think some diversity on the Board in terms of age, race, gender or class would help create a board that is a bit more dynamic.

At the same time, nobody is stopping current Board Members from listening to bus riders and understanding the transit authority from their eyes.  I’m not sure that the biggest issue is that the AATA Board is made up of mostly older white guys.  I know a lot of older white guys who do their best to listen to others when trying to make a decision and not just base their decision on what an older white guy would do.

I think the challenge I’ve seen on the AATA Board as well as other Boards is that there is a need for these Board Members to listen to the people served by whatever service they provide.  But this is often easier said that done.  ESPECIALLY when a Board Member thinks he or she knows better than anyone else what the correct solution should be.

So my request for an ideal AATA Board candidate would be someone who finds ways to hear from those most impacted by the service.  Maybe this means attending an Advance Ypsilanti meeting, or showing up when staff hold a public meeting regarding service changes.  There are a lot of ways Board Members could get feedback, but I think there is this impression that Board Members are already experts.  I’d like the Mayor to appoint someone with a little humility and who is willing to learn and grow during the process.  I also think that any Board Member currently on the AATA Board could adopt these ideas.  Anyone can listen to what their consituents have to say.

As the Michigan Legislature looks to balance it’s budget for the coming year, transportation cuts are on the table.  It looks like $1.2 billion dollars in cuts were based by the Michigan Conference Commitee. These cuts will impact Amtrak, any activities related to the U.S.–Canada bridge crossing, and more.

Read about it here.

Not sure if this has any implications for this area.  If I learn anything, I’ll send it out.