By: Diane Benjamin

Ryan Whitehouse and Julie Hile didn’t attend the meeting. Barb Singer participated remotely. Evidently Normal is missing one representative – see this page: https://connect-transit.com/board/meet-the-board

The video of the meeting doesn’t not show the beginning, so I have no idea why they declared a quorum didn’t exist. 3 members were present with 1 remote, that’s 4 of 7. Anyway, they skipped anything that needed a vote.

Instead they heard the housing report that has been presented at other government meetings. This document has that presentation and other business. It is easier to read than the slides on the video. https://connect-transit.com/file/2747/Managing%20Directors%20Presentation_07%2030%202024_FINAL.pdf

Start on PDF page 5 – that’s where the meeting video starts. PDF page 13 shows local new housing that has been approved, most isn’t served currently by fixed routes, some is served by flex. This presentation was made because presenters believe housing and transportation are closely tied together.

People can’t be expected to be responsible for their own transportation when government can provide it for them. Of course wasting millions on electric buses is immaterial. Public transportation limits where people can go and therefore limits opportunities.

While Venezuelans are fighting to get out of what socialism brought them, McLean County is rushing towards it. Anyone who believes government solves problems hasn’t studied history.

See PDF page 30. Connect did not get 2 grants they requested. Dick Durbin got them an earmark in the proposed budget. They really want more solar, David Braun didn’t say what the earmark is.

Watch what video exists of the meeting here: