From Deseret News archives:
Transit loses in session
The funding of transit, however, was far from a sure thing. Instead of a slight increase to the state sales tax, which would have provided funding for a wide variety of transportation projects light rail, commuter rail and highways, lawmakers went with a local-option model. County commissioners can place the issue on the Nov. 7 ballot. The decision provided Salt Lake County with an alternative to raising property taxes an estimated $900 million for light-rail expansion.
A sales tax is preferable to such a large hike in property taxes, so give lawmakers their due on that front. But why not bite the bullet and seek the tax increase statewide, so that much needed transportation projects such as commuter rail, highway improvements and TRAX extensions could be expedited?
Lawmakers rationalized that since 40 percent of Utahns live in Salt Lake County, local officials should decide for themselves what local projects should have priority.
That makes sense on some levels, but there is also something to be said for moving up the time line on transportation projects statewide. Commuter rail isn't as much of a priority in Salt Lake County as TRAX extensions. It's more critical to residents of Utah, Davis and Weber counties. They need to step up and commit the funds for this much-needed transportation option.
Salt Lake County residents must likewise make an investment in their transportation future because lawmakers, in an election year, prefer to cut taxes rather than authorize tax hikes.
Comments
- Iran began nuke plant 7 years ago 1:16 p.m.
- Fort Hood suspect charged 1:16 p.m.
- Obama orders Fort Hood intel review 1:06 p.m.
- Federal deficit sets October record 1:04 p.m.
- 5A: Davis, Hunter by the numbers 12:58 p.m.
- Cougars land Vegas standout 12:52 p.m.
- Salt Laker places 5th in skeleton 12:49 p.m.
- Traffic stop leads to teen sex arrest 12:48 p.m.
- Stock market dragged lower 12:47 p.m.
- John King replacing Dobbs show 12:44 p.m.
- House passes health care bill
297 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
286 - TCU showdown has big implications
195 - Senators want food tax restored
158 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - Will state consider gay rights law?
113 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
110 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
110
Maybe someone out there can help me understand how raising the state...
There is a building on the U of Penn campus named for Jon Huntsman. He has...
Whit is the best in the conference. We will be ready. Utes by 5
That's funny. Nothing like a lady to remind us that it is just highschool...
The statistics disprove the hysteria and completely idiotic view that...
My sister and I prefer "STALLION" OVER "HORSE". But your right, I don't...
I agree with George Jones the New Country Music now a days is Pop music. Now...
The idea didn't come from Star Trek, Dick Tracy had a two-way wrist...
Go get em South Summit, we are pullin for ya!
"What are Cougar fans going to say after the Utes beat TCU?" NOTHING! ...
John Pack Lambert | 12:16 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009 To the 11:55 commentator, ...


You can be the first to comment on this story.