[Cross-posted from OC Blog]
I wanted to follow up on my earlier posts — here and here — regarding the denouement of powerhouse consulting firm Cerrell Associates‘ peculiar straddle regarding 241 toll road advocacy.
On one hand, Cerrell provided public and media relations services to the Southern California Association of Governments to the tune of at least $250,000 a year. SCAG is a important proponent of completing the 241.
On the other hand, Cerrell Associates is also a consultant to the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) and its campaign to stop completion of the 241.
This biting of the hand that feeds you $250K a year didn’t go over to well at SCAG — particularly with Laguna Niguel Mayor and SCAG director Paul Glaab, who raised the roof internally over it.
I recently learned that as of the week before last, Cerrell Associates resigned as a SCAG consultant. Presumably, Cerrell will still be fighting the 241 on behalf of the CSPF and its greenie allies, alongside Sacramento Republican consultant Joe Rodota
March 25th, 2008 at 12:00 am
I have heard quite enough of this 241 Toll Roll issue.
The problem with toll rolls is this: roads for those that can afford it and everyone else you are off limits, which seems elitist.
Besides, we need to preserve open space for future generations to come. Therefore, the next time I drive along the I-5 from Orange County to San Diego (or vice versa), I want to appreciate it, so does everyone else.
I am glad someone is fighting something that is worth saving. Please do NOT expect the other side to roll over through slabs of concrete.
The issue shouldn’t be a partisan matter, but rather an issue where we can disagree without being disagreeable.