To the editor:
I will be voting "yes" on Questions 2 and 3 concerning the proposed sales tax to fund our public transit system. Here are a few reasons why:
l We would have had the money to support our transit system if our City Commission had not diverted the 3.2 mill levy that had been earmarked to fund the T beyond our federal fund appropriation. Why punish innocent citizens for this action (which was not their fault) by removing this needed service.
l Nearly anyone would acknowledge that the current transit system has problems. There are plans afoot to fix these. For instance, there has been discussion of replacing the current hub-and-spoke route system with a grid system, allowing buses to converge at more than one focal point in the city. We can't fix a system if it isn't around to fix. And by the way, it's much more expensive to re-establish a new system than it is to modify one that is already in place.
l I have always loved the spirit of community that exists in this city, a spirit that is nurtured by many of our citizens; one that demonstrates that we value that which is beyond ourselves. Let's continue to nurture that spirit by making sure that the T has an opportunity to exist, to be transformed and be there for future generations.
Susan Tabor,
Lawrence
Comments
nomorebobsplease 8 years, 11 months ago
Eaglepass and Hawk - Nailed it on the head. Tell us what the plans are. I'm sure the LJW would run it on the front page. Make us believe.All many of us want is to think that someone, somewhere will actually be responsible for spending this money to revamp the T. Where were all you supporters who want our money the last 5 years while the T was going down the toilet? Why weren't you coming up with ideas THEN to make the T more effecient and user friendly? Too little - too late.....my vote will be no
Brent Garner 8 years, 11 months ago
No new taxes! I already pay too much. I need every penny I can keep.
Chris Ogle 8 years, 11 months ago
fixed routes NO.. paratransit YESMy vote to the regressive sales tax is NO
Ragingbear 8 years, 11 months ago
What I am trying to figure out is where the money is going to come from. You know, the money that we will no longer qualify for, like the CDBG funds, and other funding that we will be required to repay. How about the massive cost from the lawsuits that are virtually guaranteed to come if the items do not pass? In 5 years, the bus system is going to cost more by not having it than it will by having it. Some things leak money, it's true, and our bus system needs revamped, but we need the bus system. However, I figured last night that Buses are 1. Perfect vehicles to be replaced by hybrids (better stop and start mileage , no idling) with a giant solar cell on it's roof (high top surface area to engine size ratio) for even more efficiency. That would do a ton in reducing the local,state and federal expenses towards the system. Now to just find a decent fleet of hybrid buses....
Eaglepass 8 years, 11 months ago
H*LL NO THE EMpT MUST GO!!!SUSAN THIS ALL SOUNDS GREAT,but ONCE AGAIN>>>>Why not get the Supporters and Commisoners to outline what WILL Happen and WHEN to reform the T in the Journal WORLD. If it is such a great paln let US the Tax Payers See it. Instead of printing mailers and stupid yard signs for the T show everyone the plans to reform in the JW Front Page and maybe you will pick up some more supporters. I still think smaller less diesel hungry buses and better centrally located routes would save the city and the EmpT tons of money.Any ride on the EmpT is better then NO RIDE!!!!
Godot 8 years, 11 months ago
As far as preserving the T is concerned, I prefer the use of alum and copius amounts of sugar and spice.Pickle the T.
Godot 8 years, 11 months ago
Ooops. I forgot the most important instruction: throw in lots of cold water and vinegar.
bearded_gnome 8 years, 11 months ago
l I have always loved the spirit of community that exists in this city, a spirit that is nurtured by many of our citizens; one that demonstrates that wevalue that which is beyond ourselves. Let's continue to nurture that spirit by making sure that the T has an opportunity to exist, to be transformed andbe there for future generations.---Susan, a well crafted statement. thank you. indeed, the current problem is the result of: poor choices of past and current leaders; increased costs; and just letting the necessary improvements to the fixed-route slide. Eaglepass et al:I can tell you that such is in process. no, I can't give the details, but we're shooting to have something before the election, precisely because I and others have made your exact point: that voters should have some idea of the improvements coming before voting on it. so, we're already there, and 9 feet down that twelve foot hallway.
XBusguy:I've told you before, in today's environment you can't have para without fixed-route: no money. and, total cost per ride on para is three or four times the same ride on fixed-route. finally, many of those who can use the fixed-route prefer to use it whenever possible over the paratransit because of convenience and freedom. some time, XBusguy, try reading instead of typing: when you're talking, you can't listen! scientific principle. and to those who say it is a regressive tax, yes. however, the cost of no transit for the same people you're worrying about is far far worse! okay, that about wraps it up!Vote Yes on 2, keep fixed-route and para going.Vote Yes on 3, make the improvements to increase ridership through more rider-friendly routes, schedules; less time to take the bus across town, dehubbed routes into a grid! q2 q3 yes!
bearded_gnome 8 years, 11 months ago
and, I will add,Susan is a fine lady too. thanks for contributing Susan.
jafs 8 years, 11 months ago
Is it true that the city diverted funds that had been earmarked for use in public transportation?If so, what did it spend them on?
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