The following two comments to the article “Streetcar plan would have to pass PennDOT” came in rapid succession and stirred us to reflect on the sense of despair that, no matter what the public will, those few who are the puppet masters in Lancaster will do as they so please.

Commented on September 3, 2009 at 8:56 am:

“So would a traffic plan for the access to the hotel/CC and the alterations to Harrisburg Pike. Those regulatory hurdles didn’t stop those projects and I highly doubt they would stop this one. Opponents better have more up their sleeve than a bailout from PennDOT because I can guarantee that the FIX is in for this hurdle and any other regulatory issues that might arise.”

Commented on September 3, 2009 at 10:44 am:

“I understand that PennDOT waived the need for a traffic plan for the hotel and convention center project. Time and time again, Pennsylvania laws have been circumvented when people in politically powerful positions intervened.”

We too at times lose hope, especially when we struggle to ward off what one long-term observer from out of town refers to as the local establishment’s “inexperience and self destructiveness”.

A poll by a highly reputable national service used by, among many others, the Fox News Network, determined that almost four out of five Lancastrians agreed with the then County Commissioners that tax payers should not guarantee Convention Center debt. It didn’t matter.

A grand jury investigation of those commissioners dragged on for almost a year, dismissing allegation after allegation by an increasingly desperate district attorney. It didn’t matter.

An entire neighborhood begged that an independent study by commissioned to determine whether there was a viable alternative location for the Norfolk Southern freight yard. It didn’t matter.

The proposal to re-establish streetcar lines downtown have evoked reaction in most part ranging from incredulity to anger. Will it matter?

What is the root cause of the disenfranchisement of the public will here in Lancaster? A mismanaged monopoly press has pursued its own business interests or that of its cronies. Years ago NewsLanc urged the Lancaster Newspapers to appoint an ombudsman. It didn’t matter.

Two-thirds of whatever good NewsLanc is accomplishing occurs behind the scenes. We, with others, are currently struggling to prevent another self inflicted public debacle. We hope we never have to report on the matter. But if it occurs, we too will despair.