Reader comments
Re-vote coming on transit funds

... if transit does not make sense from a fiscal perspective.

People want transit even if it means higher taxes and more congestion. Give the people what they want.

I would be sad if Utah abandons public transit development. If we continue to grow, which we will, we are going to need good affordable public transit. And when gas prices continue to rise, which they will, we are all going to find public transit more apealing; but we might not be able to afford to develop it at that point.

I hope the county ignores the legislature. I think we've figured out over the past few years that legislators don't care what their constituents want.

Why is this not surprising me? The county tries to raise taxes specifically for transit: Trax extensions and light rail to be expedited. The state legislature hi-jacks the legislation and adds roads as a "possible" addition. I remember hearing assurances that transit would have the highest priority in this "improved" piece of legislation. Now, amazingly, roads have become more important. The legislature is criticizing the county for doing what the county intended to do all along: follow the will of the public and dedicate the money to transit. We did not just think that the money was for tranit. We were PROMISED that it would be used for transit. But unfortunately, it was all just words. Evidently, the legislation is not exactly what was promised. Is it any wonder why many of us do not trust the state legislature?

Now we have Sen. Killpack (Davis County) telling Salt Lake County what to do with the money we raised by taxing ourselves. He already has Legacy for his district. If he wants more money for roads, maybe we should start tolling on Legacy. It would make a lot more sense than tolling on Mountain View.

Salt Lake County voters wanted transit. I hope our mayors and county commissioners hold true to that public vote. If not, we will need to replace them in the next election.

The conservative Republican state legislature is violating one of the basic principles of conservatism, that the best government is that government closest to the people. Like the federal Republican government, the Republican state government is attempting to become big brother, saying one size fits all, that it's our way or (not literally) the highway. Why can't the powerful federal government and state government keep out of local politics when it doesn't really impact anybody else. Perhaps the Democratic party might do better.

Math error? Sounds more like somebody stacked the cards in the order they wanted them in and is now trying to get out of it by blaming it on a MATH ERROR...

1 + 1 = 2... It's not too hard!

I am appalled by the arrogance of legislators looking at local sales taxes to fix State projects. That has never been the way we build roads, especially highways. Where is Davis County's sales tax to build Legacy? Sales tax is traditionally used for transit. Also, to Mayor Wall of Taylorsville, I live in south Salt Lake County and I want Commuter Rail for my commute. It is not just to help Utah County. Be more informed. If we bring more Utah County folks to Salt Lake and they spend their money here (generating more sales tax) isn't that a good thing?

Many seem to forget that transportation funding is finite. Local officials should fund those projects that best meet the needs of the travelling public, whether roads, rails, etc. It's fine with me if folks in SL Co. want to put all of their transportation funding into transit, just stop asking the legislature to bail you out with additional money for roads. The legislature is saying to make an informed, prioritized decision (disclosing the decision making criteria to the public) and then live with the results, instead of making a reckless, irresponsible backroom decisions and then expecting the legislature to bail you out.

John,

Why has it been ok for the legislature to "bail out" Davis County (Legacy) and Utah County (I-15 Reconstruction)? I don't see Salt Lake County's request for Mountain View to be any different than what has been requested by these counties. With finite funds, why didn't we toll Legacy, which runs within a few miles of an existing highway?

I also object to the legislature passing opportunities for local taxes (vehicle registration fees, sales taxes) and then trying to override local decisions when they don't go there way.

John,

And I dislike the Legislature sticking their nose in local issues. Real stadium for one. Laws involving eminent domain for another. Why don't they keep your noses out of local issues?

Put the toward road, UTA has let alot of disabled,
elderly down.

Don't let UTA's service history jade your opinion on public transportation. We need to work together. Think about the quality of our air...air quality knows no boundaries.