To the editor:

We are voting on the T when tax abatement for the Mount Oread hotel project eluded referendum. The public service mass transit system lacks the same influence with this City Commission as the big hotel owners. Interesting how developers find ways to exclude themselves from paying taxes. Patriots understand that, with representation, taxation is useful for funding public services. Few can afford the big hotel, but everyone can ride the bus. The irony is that, because of “growth,” uncollected taxes are a reason for underfunding the transportation needs of our growing city.

Buses, inside and out, allow for a good view. Look inside other vehicles and you will see many with only a driver. That is a lot of “empty” space. Sometimes that lone person is talking on a cell phone. Message to those associating travel and communication: You can sit on a bus, talk and ignore traffic without (please, excuse me) ramifications. We will need a T when cell-phone drivers become safety conscious.

Don’t despise our transportation system because the current city commissioners mismanaged the budget and now require a vote. Assume approval of the modest taxes supporting our nascent system. Get accustomed to the idea of the T with an eye toward improvements. Learn about and support the T by riding the bus. For “tax cut” whiners, get your money’s worth and ride the bus.

Brad Wertz,
Lawrence