After spending quality time at Jefferson High School this morning, I went to the first of two TriMet public hearings scheduled for today. A lifelong bus user, I wanted to give input on Fred Hansen's proposal to limit Fareless Square to the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., allegedly because only people who don't pay fares commit crimes on MAX. I was very impressed that dozens of Portlanders took time out of their day to participate.

The TriMet Board did not attend.

Only a hired consultant and a stenographer sat on the stage listening to testimony. Most TriMet staff, even, seemed to be out in the lobby. The "hearing" ran almost the full two hours, with each citizen taking only a few minutes at the microphone - but the only people "hearing" were the rest of the audience, and the two non-decision-makers on the stage.

Astonishing.

After the "hearing", I asked staff in the lobby if the TriMet Board would attend this evening's second hearing. After all, they are volunteers with full time jobs, perhaps someone scheduled the lunchtime event when the Board members were busy. Here's what I was told:

"The Board does not attend public hearings".

Good grief. Why, then, do they invite citizens to come to them? The moderator said the Board reads the transcripts of testimony. Had I but known, I would have returned home and written my comments myself, rather than using public money to pay a stenographer to transcribe my testimony.

Imagine if the Portland Planning Commission didn't show up to hearings, but relied on notes transcribed by a third party. Imagine if the School Boards followed the same practice. The TriMet Board rules on an annual budget of around $350 million. That is more than the total budget of the Portland Development Commission. How did I not know that the TriMet Board doesn't attend public hearings on their issues? And how come there is no outrage about this? Put me down in the "outraged" column.

The only reason to attend tonight's "hearing" is if you like hearing yourself speak, and/or if you are interested in listening to what informed citizens say. Otherwise, send in your comments, and read the transcripts.

That's all the TriMet Board will be doing, anyway. Maybe.

At this point, I wonder why they ask for public input at all.