On May 20 area voters will decide whether or not to approve an extension of the three-tenths of one percent sales tax for Spokane Transit Authority, originally approved by voters in 2004. Here's how Proposition No. 1 will read on the ballot:
Proposition No. 1
Continuation of Existing Sales/Use Tax for Public Transportation Services
The Spokane Transit Authority Board of Directors approved a proposition seeking the continuation of the existing sales and use tax authority previously approved by voters in 2004. This proposition authorized Spokane Transit Authority to continue the collection of up to three-tenths of one percent sales and use tax to preserve the region’s public transportation system, all as provided in Resolution No. 633-08. Should this proposition be:
Approved?
Rejected?
The Spokesman-Review ran guest opinion columns giving pros and cons on this issue. Following is some of what opposing sides had to say about Proposition No. 1 and the Spokane Transit Authority.
STA Lacks Accountability
Joel Crosby
Special to The Spokesman-Review
May 2, 2008
It is critically important that Spokane voters see through the expensive public relations campaign by the Spokane Transit Authority and vote against the transit sales tax extension this May 20. The real issue in this election is the lack of the sunset provision, which makes this tax permanent. A "no" vote will bring this tax issue back to voters in November with a provision for the public to vote again on this tax in four years.
A "no" vote is not a vote against public transportation, it is a vote for accountability in public transportation. Buses and service to the needy and people with disabilities are becoming more important as gas prices increase. The public needs smaller buses, flexible routes and changes to respond to our changing world.
The accountability of an election to renew this tax every four years brings out the best performance possible in this essential service. Without the accountability of a sunset provision, the STA has no incentive to improve service and make changes that we need to improve public transportation. Waste and mismanagement characterized STA before the passage of the current 0.3 percent transit tax increase. It was important this increase was made subject to voter reapproval in five years. …
… A "no" vote on the transit tax will bring this measure back with a sunset provision which will keep accountability in our public transportation. Every four years we vote on the progress we see in our schools in the form of school levies. Should we not have the same accountability in our public transportation?
Click here to read the complete article.
Buses Help Business
Wayne Williams
May 1, 2008
For business, buses are a necessity. That is why I support the sales tax re-authorization for Spokane Transit Authority. Continued funding for public transportation means no increase in taxes. Should you choose to join me in supporting this effort, you will pay no more for public transportation than you do right now.
As chairman of Greater Spokane Inc., the combined Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council, this vote is all business for me. Transit service is essential to our growing metropolitan area. Transit and mobility services make the Spokane region more attractive to outside investment and continued growth of existing companies. When businesses contemplate a move to our region or consider a major expansion, a key consideration is our region's available infrastructure. That includes transit services that will link their new work force to business locations throughout the region. …
… Spokane Transit Authority has been a diligent steward of our tax dollars and has produced results that include increasing ridership by 9.4 percent to 7.9 million fixed route rides. Service has improved to many areas including Spokane Valley, north Spokane, Liberty Lake, Medical Lake, Cheney and Airway Heights. … [That is why] I support this re-authorization of the three-tenths of 1 cent sales tax to sustain the current six-tenths of 1 cent currently paid by Spokane County residents. …
… I encourage you to join many people in the business community who believe buses are good for business. Vote yes in support of re-authorizing funding for transit.
Click here to read the complete article.
Now it's up to YOU, the voters. Mark your ballots and make sure you mail them before the May 20 deadline. It's not a question of whether or not you ride the bus – it's a question of how much tax you're willing to pay to provide the service. How will you vote?
Editor@Spokane.net