"In response to Metropolitan Omaha's need for public transportation, the 82nd Nebraska State Legislature passed Legislative Bill 1275 "enabling" the creation of the Transit Authority, City of Omaha, a governmental subdivision of the State of Nebraska autonomous in nature. The Authority, consisting of a five (5) member board appointed by the mayor and confirmed by Omaha's City Council and the Douglas County Commissioners, was sworn in and took office on May 30, 1972."
One difference between this "Company" and the utilities units is that the Mayor of Omaha appoints the members of the Board.
Even the Government of Nebraska is somewhat unusual in that the State has a "Unicameral" or single house of Representatives. Another oddity is that the State has four Congressional Districts and the four votes they represent are cast individually. In the Presidential election of 2008, the Omaha District (one vote) went to President Obama, while the rest of the State went to John McCain.
The Mayor of Omaha is elected on a non-political ticket, running as neither a Republican or Democrat. Of course, politics do enter the issue as most people know the political "flavor" of the candidates.
Lastly, a look at the Omaha Airport Authority. The Omaha Airport is "government" owned and the Board of (five) Directors is appointed by the Mayor. The Airport is structured to be a self-supporting operation, with the rental of concessions and air carrier facilities being the principle sources of revenue. Some of the services (radar, air controllers, etc.) are Federal Government provided.
The irony of this "Red State" and its' abundant Socialism in Public Utilities is worth a closer look by those "condemning" Government owned facilities. It has proven to be a boon to the citizens of Nebraska. Perhaps there is no connection, but Nebraska has faired better than average in the current recession with fewer foreclosures, bankruptcies and job losses. The overall cost of living is very good in comparison to most other states.
I submit we would not be in the current financial mess if the Federal Reserve and a portion of the Banking System were Federally owned and managed. The secret to success of such operations is in direct control over these facilities by public vote.
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