Silicon Valley Transit Users P.O. toe ca 94039-0069 November 5, 2000 Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Board of Directors 3331 N. First Street San Jose, CA 95131 ‘TO: VTA Board of Directors RE: Action Item 18 At Tonight's Board Meeting 1 regret being unable to attend tonight's meeting as [ am overcoming the flu. ‘We understand that the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) wishes to form an ad-hoc committee to address its $93 million deficit. Our group has some concerns and suggestions: * We have heard of potential proposals to further delay construction of light rail in East San Jose and even Caltrain electrification but not for the Silicon Valley Rapid Transit Corridor (aka. “BART to Silicon Valley”) project. Voters in Santa Clara County approved these, as well as operations funding for buses and light rail, in addition to BART back in 2000. For the sake of current bus and light rail service in Santa Clara County, either all capital projects need to be delayed or they all need to continue. When one capital project continues to be funded while all others are delayed or canceled, it makes people wonder if VIA's true crisis is that of priorities and management rather than funding, In the end, capital projects become white elephants when there are no bus or other rail connections to link them together. * Research on VTA's 2011 Fiscal Year budget revealed that nearly 75% of the operating budget is on salaries and labor costs. Clearly there is room for VIA to cut salaries and labor costs. Some salaried VTA employees include questionable titles such as "Chief Internal Affairs Officer.” ‘The title alone suggests work in law enforcement. We understand that Greta Helm holds this title. What are her specific duties and salary? Reports from this committee should include who makes what at VTA and how much they make. Reports should also include employee head count at VTA from 2001 until now: This information is not available on the VTA web site and should be made public. ‘Your written response to our concerns and suggestions is appreciated.o R iy 4 “in aed Dre ay comecciy Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users feeb