mr. tom noland, who we are very happy to have here. mr. chairman. >> thank you. thank you very much. i have the opportunity to be in washington, d.c. earlier this week. everything the mayor has said is exactly right. to be able to represent the officials in the administration and in congress that this city has united the entire political leadership of san francisco -- totally behind us -- that means so much. they all understand that. on behalf of the board, i want to say how proud we are of the board of directors and the entire agency of mta. we've had a number of critics through the years to have said -- do it some other way. my question is, have you ever been to chinatown? what is another alternative? the alternatives were considered. this is clearly the best one. i look forward to the day of the dedication. when this is done, 35,000 more people per day will be able to take this system. it will be better for the entire community all the way around. on behalf of our board, i am very delighted to be here. i look forward to the grand opening. thank you. >> thank you, mr. chairman. you