GUEST COMMENTARY: Transportation, regionalism go hand in hand

In my very first remarks to the board of directors of the Quality of Life Council at the Sept. 4 quarterly meeting, I shared the inspiring words of Australian poet, Adam Lindsay Gordon, who wrote:

In my very first remarks to the board of directors of the Quality of Life Council at the Sept. 4 quarterly meeting, I shared the inspiring words of Australian poet, Adam Lindsay Gordon, who wrote:

Life is mostly froth and bubble

Two things stand like stone

Kindness in another's trouble

Courage in your own

The ensuing discourse on regional public transportation and the potential creation of a regional transportation district was civil and thoughtful. It was noted that there was not a compelling advocacy position presented and therefore the discussion lacked a sense of balance.

Upon reflecting on these issues, I framed them in light of the qualities of kindness and courage. I believe there is a need for our regional society to be aware that many cannot participate in automobile transportation for reasons such as age, disability and economic hardship. But is that enough to warrant the commitment that taxpayers must make to support regional transportation?

Knowing that the Quality of Life Council supports sustainable growth -- meaning creating a better life for us and for future generations is keyed on three key factors, economic development, environmental protection and social equity -- I realized that there is no single silver bullet that can resolve all ills.

It is apparent there is a need for implementation of a meaningful transportation plan based on these factors. If we build on the idea of economic development by providing efficient and affordable transportation to and from the rest of the Chicago area and nurture the growth of businesses that create jobs and wealth, then the other sustainable elements can grow as well. Less automobile traffic means less pollution. More businesses means more opportunities for decent jobs and wages and so forth.

It is a time for courage. With constant debate over rail, bus and airport alternatives and significant investments in studies and plans, the region yearns for a victory. We need to see one strong, positive result grow from this confusion.

Doing nothing is not an option, and neither is reckless obstructionism. We need to face head on the fears that are preventing this growth and get them addressed.

The answers are there, we need people of courage and kindness to step forward for the greater good of the region and get the decisions made to get one phase implemented. It is about transportation, not taxation, race or politics.

Jim Flannery is Executive Director of the Quality of Life Council. The opinion expressed in this column is the writer's and not necessarily that of The Times.