I appreciated a recent thoughtful article on the bridge maintenance goals and on the relationship between Minnesota's budget cuts and lowered goals. A more in-depth understanding of our transportation infrastructure management problem is needed, however, to solve Minnesota's bridge problem.
I am disappointed as I read the articles in the local newspapers to see that none of the articles address the culture of mediocrity at Mn/DOT. I worked in Mn/DOT for a few years and left because I was ashamed to be part of the organization and was angered with the widespread waste and mismanagement I saw. By far the biggest problem is the extent to which Mn/DOT has become a bastion for political hacks. This means that positions that would be better filled by competent technical and professional staff are filled by political cronies or friends of friends--even toy boys and girls who beautified the Mn/DOT landscape but couldn't do much.
And Minnesotans lose so much in this culture of mediocrity. I saw staff hired for well-paying jobs for which they were not qualified, coming in late, leaving early and actively looking for training opportunities and conferences in tourist-friendly cities. Why not have a trip at taxpayer expense?
Wouldn't it be nice to have a commissioner who actually does read bridge inspection reports instead of a farmer's housewife who happens to be lieutenant governor? Wouldn't it be nice to have a top notch Mn/DOT instead of a political cesspool? I hope at some point the misuse of the civil service system in Mn/DOT is addressed. Minnesotans deserve safe bridges and staff in Mn/DOT who can deliver safe bridges.