Kucinich joining fight with city to keep NOMBL alive
By Jeff Gallatin
North Olmsted
Published Dec. 15, 2004

Westshore Congressman Dennis Kucinich has hopped on the bus to show his opposition to the possible merger and takeover of services of the North Olmsted Municipal Bus Line (NOMBL) by the Regional Transit Authority (RTA).

Kucinich and Mayor Norman T. Musial were scheduled to hold a press conference at 1:30 p.m. yesterday at North Olmsted City Hall. Officials from Kucinich's office said the two officials would discuss their opposition to RTA's proposed takeover of NOMBL.

Doug Gordon, Kucinich's press secretary explained why the congressman is opposed to NOMBL being merged with RTA.

"He is very supportive of the city and NOMBL in their efforts to maintain control of the bus line," Gordon said. "It's provided outstanding service to the area for a long time."

Created in 1931, NOMBL is the oldest municipally operated bus line in Ohio. The line serves North Olmsted and other Westshore suburbs including Bay Village, Fairview Park, Rocky River and Westlake. It also has intra-suburban and downtown Cleveland commuter service.

Gordon said Kucinich and Musial spoke about the situation last week.

"He indicated his support about the situation to the mayor," Gordon said.

Gordon said that Congress recently finished the last set of budget deliberations, but noted that if North Olmsted asked Kucinich to seek additional help, it's likely the congressman would try and seek funds this spring in the next round of budget deliberations.

Musial said the talks between himself and Kucinich were promising but declined to go into specifics because of the ongoing nature of talks between city officials and RTA. He said he would continue to talk with the congressman about the situation and coordinate the discussions between RTA and NOMBL.

"Of course we're going to request Congressman Kucinich to seek funds to allow NOMBL to continue," Musial said. "NOMBL has proven it provides superior service to riders and the people in the area throughout its history."

Musial said that history is also important to the people of North Olmsted.

"We can't just keep losing or giving up our history; if you put that with the outstanding level of service, you have sound reasons for maintaining NOMBL."

RTA officials have said they can't continue to subsidize operations for North Olmsted and Maple Heights (the other municipal bus line which has survived since 1975, when RTA was formed). But RTA also said if North Olmsted could find ways to get the funds for operation as a separate entity, it would work on that kind of agreement. NOMBL's current five-year contract with RTA expires Dec. 31. Negotiations have been going on for the last few months. Another negotiating session was set for today.

If NOMBL was absorbed, RTA officials have said the same services would be maintained and NOMBL workers would get the same seniority with RTA. Ward 4 Councilman Dean McKay and Ward 3 Councilman George Nashar both indicated their support for seeking help from Kucinich or other areas.

"It has a proven track record and has provided fine service for many years," McKay said. The drivers and riders know each other and the drivers have always taken care of their riders.

"North Olmsted helped set up that Park-N-Ride and other services with RTA; it would be nice to see it show a little willingness to work with the city."

Nashar, chairman of council's streets and transportation committee, said he's willing to have the city work with federal officials if it helps NOMBL.

"Absolutely, I would encourage the mayor to take whatever action is necessary in this instance to get some help," Nashar said.

GREATER CLEVELAND REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY:
www.gcrta.org