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The only reason I would vote against the repeal is without the tax they will raise the taxes on homes.
The leaders in Charlotte are taking a queue right from the CA play book. Just spend the money then stick the tax payer with bill they will have to pay. They have demonstrated that whether or not the tax payer wants transit they will get it anyway. The leaders are going to do what ever they want and the tax payer can pound sand.
At least with the half-cent tax more of the burden of the transit system will be passed on to those most likely to use the system. Everyone including the poor will have to pay the tax. With out the tax only the property owner will pay extra taxes for transit.
The only reason I would vote against the repeal is without the tax they will raise the taxes on homes.
The leaders in Charlotte are taking a queue right from the CA play book. Just spend the money then stick the tax payer with bill they will have to pay. They have demonstrated that whether or not the tax payer wants transit they will get it anyway. The leaders are going to do what ever they want and the tax payer can pound sand.
At least with the half-cent tax more of the burden of the transit system will be passed on to those most likely to use the system. Everyone including the poor will have to pay the tax. With out the tax only the property owner will pay extra taxes for transit.
I agree with this, but I also believe that even with light rail's problems it is a necessity for the future of Charlotte. People in favor of the repeal say "buses work better for Charlotte.". It's incorrect. People ride trains so that they are not stuck in traffic. Buses use the roads like anyone else. You ever come on the express bus from 485 in the morning? Not much better than driving. Also, repealing the tax would mean less buses overall for the people who do use them. I would like to see people in York County pay into it somewaht too as they use CATS.
It will be interesting to see if Mecklenburg County will attempt to implement an additional local sales tax or land transfer tax in the near future. The state legislature approved the new revenue options for county governments this month. Already, around 25 counties will decide the issue in November. I'm sure there will be more to follow in 2008 and beyond.
I'm just curious anyone that wants the transit to go away would you consider yourself a environmentalists too?
Trains are powered by electricity which is fueled by dirty coal among other things. Electricity is better than gas for sure, but has inherent problems too.
I was SO pro-trains when we voted on this issue back in 1998. Being from the DC area originally, I know what a wonderful asset they can be to a city/metro area.
The problem is, this city has royally messed this whole thing up. The cost projections, delays and overruns are absurd. The locations for the lines don't make any sense. Why isn't there a line to the airport? And trains are supposed to be about alleviating traffic, but they're putting in 3 railroad crossings to accommodate the trains? What the? Car engines idling at railroad crossings aren't going to help the environment.
Although I'm in the process of leaving Charlotte, I still own a home there and I'm still registered to vote there. I look forward to returning someday. I'm really torn on this issue.
I was SO pro-trains when we voted on this issue back in 1998. Being from the DC area originally, I know what a wonderful asset they can be to a city/metro area.
The problem is, this city has royally messed this whole thing up. The cost projections, delays and overruns are absurd. The locations for the lines don't make any sense. Why isn't there a line to the airport? And trains are supposed to be about alleviating traffic, but they're putting in 3 railroad crossings to accommodate the trains? What the? Car engines idling at railroad crossings aren't going to help the environment.
Although I'm in the process of leaving Charlotte, I still own a home there and I'm still registered to vote there. I look forward to returning someday. I'm really torn on this issue.
Have you ever had to sit in traffic from the airport to uptown? It is generally a pretty easy traffic free drive down lovely old West Blvd or a couple of other roads. South Blvd on the other hand has a fair amount of traffic. The railstops where there are crossings will be brief. These aren't 200 car freight trains. The South Blvd is also only the first line. Davidson into Charlotte will be the next one which will help a lot and be a good option. Delays, cost overruns ar eunfortunately how governments operate.
If you own a home, you better vote to keep the tax or your property tax will go up.
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