Kenley drops out as sponsor of mass-transit bill (Indianapolis, Fishers: property taxes, living)

[Toxic Toast]

Back to the bill, it passed today's hearing by a vote of 7-2. Voting against the bill was Doug Eckerty who represents zero counties asking for the referendum, and I didn't catch the other no vote. The general consensus among those on the fence seemed to be that they wanted to pass it along to keep the conversation going.

I didn't get to listen to whole hearing, but the opponents brought in a guy from the Cato Institute, who said Indianapolis doesn't need transit because it is growing faster than Minneapolis and St. Louis. There was also a guy who represented the "Hamilton County Patriots" whose contributions were "oh i know there was something else" and "i just don't like it."

[wh15395]

I still feel like Indianapolis can just do this on its own without Hamilton County if the bill can't get past the statehouse. Don't get me wrong, if this fails in the Senate I will be pissed, but if Indianapolis really cares about transit the road doesn't stop here. Ballard and the city-county council have all the power in the world to raise Indianapolis income taxes .03% to fund the transit system.

[A2DAC1985]

Originally Posted by msamhunter

I would toll 465 all sides. That would irk a lot of people but it's all good, maybe .25c. Keep in mind the sunshine bridge from St. Pete heading down to Sarasota is like $1.25 one way and we won't even discuss the skyway or 294.

Hmmmm... sounds remarkably similar to my idea:

"...How to pay for this system, and help maintain it? I would put toll booths on every interstate at the Marion county lines. Fifty cents to enter the county and $0.50 to leave the county wouldn't be a terrible strain, but $1.00 to enter and exit the county via the interstates would help speed along the accumulation of funds needed for this transit plan. Fifty cents to get on 465, no charge to exit. I would also put toll booths on the Interstates entering and exiting the state. The only vehicles allowed to COMPLETELY bypass the toll booths, at any level, would be semi-trucks and official work vehicles (UPS, Comcast, Ed's Chicken Wing Wagon, and the like). Of course some sort of pre-paid unlimited pass could be sold on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis to non commercial vehicles..."

From this thread (that is now closed): http://www.city-data.com/forum/india...lly-works.html

But this thread is open: http://www.city-data.com/forum/india...-take-two.html

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by wh15395

I still feel like Indianapolis can just do this on its own without Hamilton County if the bill can't get past the statehouse. Don't get me wrong, if this fails in the Senate I will be pissed, but if Indianapolis really cares about transit the road doesn't stop here. Ballard and the city-county council have all the power in the world to raise Indianapolis income taxes .03% to fund the transit system.

Actually, Marion County will still need the approval of the General Assembly to raise COIT. But as I understand the referendum, if Hamilton County votes no while Marion votes yes, Indy Connect stops at 96th Street.

[A2DAC1985]

Originally Posted by Toxic Toast

Back to the bill, it passed today's hearing by a vote of 7-2. Voting against the bill was Doug Eckerty who represents zero counties asking for the referendum, and I didn't catch the other no vote. The general consensus among those on the fence seemed to be that they wanted to pass it along to keep the conversation going.

I didn't get to listen to whole hearing, but the opponents brought in a guy from the Cato Institute, who said Indianapolis doesn't need transit because it is growing faster than Minneapolis and St. Louis. There was also a guy who represented the "Hamilton County Patriots" whose contributions were "oh i know there was something else" and "i just don't like it."

+1... even though I can't give it... later though...

[X-Greensboro Resident]

There is NO way Hamilton County residents would vote no if it was on a ballot... There are many Hamilton County residents such as myself who commute 30-45 minutes everyday to downtown Indianapolis and back for work and 75% of us would love a viable transit system and would use it. I know I would... Aside from that, a mass transit system would only help with economic development and growth of Indy metro area looking 10-20 years down the road when energy prices are even higher than they are now. Also, it would allow Indy to compete with other cities for various companies and people who may consider moving here... It would only add to Indy's image and its sophistication as well looking down the road.

Growing up in DC area, I love the metro there and used it all the time.. To this day when I visit, I always just take the train. I think a viable mass transit system should be big on any city's agenda that's looking for growth, economic development and competative edge looking years down the road. It's mind buggling that most politicians around here are too ignorant to get it and don't see it as being an important part of Indy taking the next big step to become a great city. Charlotte would be a great example!

[wh15395]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

Actually, Marion County will still need the approval of the General Assembly to raise COIT.

Well, that's unfortunate. Still, I feel like there has to be some way to bypass the state. I guess that's just my wishful thinking. Maybe Indianapolis should just ignore Indiana law and attempt to secede from the state

[domergurl]

I think it will be Marion County that votes no ... Hamilton would vote yes, particularly the people in Fishers.

[msamhunter]

Originally Posted by domergurl

I think it will be Marion County that votes no ... Hamilton would vote yes, particularly the people in Fishers.

Yes i can see mc voting no to their own detriment. Think people are complaining about gas and lack of jobs now. Wait a few years when the city is behind its peers, higher energy prices and overlooked because the city doesn't offer what's needed and a company like lilly looks to relocate because of it.

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by wh15395

Well, that's unfortunate. Still, I feel like there has to be some way to bypass the state. I guess that's just my wishful thinking. Maybe Indianapolis should just ignore Indiana law and attempt to secede from the state

There's no home rule under Indiana law. And, yes, that sucks for Indy and a few other municipalities.