In this season of “Vote Yes” and “Vote No,” let me offer some “why” regarding one ballot item, the ¼ of 1% GRT increase to fund the South Central Regional Transit District. I serve as the City of Las Cruces representative on its board of directors; so, I admit some bias. Nonetheless, let me offer “why no” and “why yes” considerations: NO • Increases the City’s GRT to 8.1875% • Increases the County’s GRT to 6.625% • Primarily for riders in the county, but city residents still pay for it • Not everyone rides the bus • Recovery from the Great Recession of 2008 is ongoing • Only certain routes and stops will be available YES • 0.25% increase is small • Fewer vehicles on the road mean less road maintenance funding required • Fewer also means less parking required; parking also costs money • Fewer and shorter traffic jams • County riders work at city jobs, buy at city businesses, attend city educational institutions, visit city doctors and medical facilities, participate in city activities, eat at city restaurants, enjoy city entertainment • City riders can get to jobs in this and neighboring counties, visit family and attractions outside Las Cruces, contribute to the regional economy beyond the city limits • Cost of living and subsequent living wage calculations are reduced as public transit makes car ownership and maintenance less necessary • Fuel required and pollution produced with buses are less than driving alone or carpooling • Some new revenue will help support the City’s RoadRUNNER bus system • Riding on a bus is safer than riding in a car • Riders can relax or do other things that are not possible when driving • People with disabilities or without licenses can travel independently Please consider carefully, and please vote.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 14:54:34 +0000