Minutes - Port Authority of Allegheny County

collaboratively with numerous community partners to bring economy, environment and equity to
neighborhoods.
Ms. Ellenbogen reported that the Stakeholder Relations Committee met with Chris to determine how
we can best work together on the transportation funding issue and on moving forward. Mr. Sandvig
stated in his report that quality public transit is an integral part of PCRG’s long-term strategic vision
for the communities they work with and that transit needs to be treated as a community asset.
He further explained that PCRG’s legislative agenda mirrors Port Authority’s and paves the way for us
to combine our efforts to strengthen public transit in our communities. Our transit system, riders and
citizens can certainly benefit from PCRG’s knowledge and community connections. Ms. Ellenbogen
finished her report by saying that the committee looks forward to working with Mr. Sandvig and PCRG
in this regard.
That concluded the report of the Stakeholder Relations Committee.
Under the Governance Committee, the Chairman made the following remarks. “It seems that every
year since I joined this Board, [that goes back to 1996] we have faced one daunting challenge after
another. Some of those challenges involved our capital projects such as the North Shore Connecter,
and others have involved negotiations of new labor agreements or the restructuring of our service in
our organization to make them more productive and efficient. Of course, we have faced many
challenges as a result of rising operating costs and reduced funding. Yet, despite limited options and
resources, I am proud to say we have met each and every challenge head on and we have acted
responsible in the best interest of our riders, our employees and the county.”
Mr. Brooks said that he thinks it is fair to say that the Board’s decisions and actions have not always
been popular. Rising fares, reducing service, laying off talented, dedicated employees, are not
actions that we have taken lightly. I doubt that there is a member of this Board who has not regretted,
at one time or another, the actions that we have been forced to take. This year will be no exception.
As we proceed in 2011, we will undoubtedly be required to make more difficult decisions that will
impact both transit riders and non-transit riders in Allegheny County, but if we are to be able to
continue to make the tough decisions and not shrink our responsibility as public servants, one thing is
certain, we will need to stick together a Board.
Mr. Brooks stated that, “As your Chairman, I will need the support of each and every one of you. I will
need your opinion and your input on every policy decision that we will have to make. I will need you
to consider the sacrifices that our riders and our employee will be asked and required to make. We
cannot afford to be disengaged on any issue. I will expect each of you to make every effort possible
to attend every committee meeting which you are assigned, and do your homework ahead of time.
Our riders, employees and Allegheny County taxpayers deserve nothing less.”
“No one has to agree with every decision that we make, but they have to understand and believe we
are deeply involved and thoroughly consider every option available to them. I know I can count on
you for your continued participation. If you are not committed to this organization and the survival of
public transportation in Allegheny County, you would not be here today. We are all here because we
believe in the service that we provide and the impact that we have on the health and wellbeing of this
community.”
11