MAX

While this blog is primarily about real estate (hence the name), other info about Portland is also included, especially when it is about livability and quality of life in Portland. As the MAX lines have spread out over the years many people have complained about crime, vagrancy, and general uneasiness while riding the light-rail. While I ride occasionally, and usually just in the Fairless Square from Lloyd Center to downtown, I have never had personal experience with crime, nor have I heard about any problems from friends or colleagues. Well, enough people have had enough problems that now the Oregon State Legislature is getting involved with Tri-Met security. They want greeters and the stations. Like at Wal-Mart. And we all know how nimble and agile the Wal-Mart greeters are, so I'm sure a similar force will be able to stop muggings and scare away street kids. Sure, we all see that happening! And they want the greeters to be volunteers, because Tri-Met is cutting costs right and left, and they don't have the funds to pay any more real security, or to even be able to recruit volunteer security officers. Why don't they take the vagrants that are a constant issue on the MAX and at the stations, give them an orange vest, and let them yell at commuters all day long? People will feel more secure with all the "greeters" and the former nuisances will have a purpose and a reason to get out of the weather on Tri-Met! I kid. The real deal is that Portland is a great place to live, even for the homeless, criminal, and generally creepy. We live here, and love it, why wouldn't they? Be safe, and vote for increased taxes so that Tri-Met will have the money to pay real security to keep the MAX safe.