pineda Posted January 30, 2006 Share Posted January 30, 2006 (edited) Harris County Commissioner's Court deciding what to do with HCTRAlearn more about these "Macquisitions"...Financiers worldwide have begun viewing busy toll roads that draw hundreds of thousands of daily users as investment opportunities.Why would Harris County Commissioners consider selling something that's viewed as a good investment? Edited January 30, 2006 by pineda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaxConcrete Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 Why would Harris County Commissioners consider selling something that's viewed as a good investment?Because they (may) want a short term gain, the future be damned since they won't be around to deal with it. Obviously, the future cash flow can belong to Harris County or a private firm, and the since the private firm needs to earn a profit and pay all the Wall Street fees, and net present value to Harris County has to be less than if it remained in County control.Don't underestimate politicians desire to mortgage the future. Bush can do it by explosively increasing the national debt. State and local governments need to use indirect methods to mortgage the future (such as unfunded pension obligations), and now with mechanisms like selling off transportation assets they have a new way to realize a near-term gain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted January 31, 2006 Author Share Posted January 31, 2006 (edited) What a dark and pessimistic picture you've painted here, Max. I guess it's more important than ever before for people to pay closer attention to those whom they've thought they had chosen to protect those futures. If you're not a registered voter, please get registered now. The deadline is February 5th. Find out now who represents you, and if you find out that they don't seem to be representing your best interests and your voice and your futures, then vote them out of office and replace them with someone who will. Edited January 31, 2006 by pineda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 Judge Eckels should tread with care - there's a family history of dubious dealings regarding roads which I hope he doesn't perpetuate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 Don't underestimate politicians desire to mortgage the futureMy sources say Harris County TR has so much debt, it's hurting their bond rating. That's they are looking to sell. But no matter how you slice it, this is government inefficiency at its best. Why can private firm make money in toll roads and the county can't? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westguy Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 I can't imagine with all the toll increases followed by increased congestion on most of the roads. I don't think they should do this after the reconstruction of the west belt which is coupled with a modest increase in capacity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 Why can private firm make money in toll roads and the county can't?The county can - but it doesn't make campaign contributions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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