Opinions On Proposition 104 (Phoenix: sales, 2015, school district)

[Magnum Mike]

We've seen the signs on every street corner asking us to vote yes on Prop 104.

Information about this proposition.. MovePHX - It basically increases sales taxes to generate $31.7 Billion to supposedly "improve" transportation in Phoenix.

Information from those (including myself) who oppose it..
Help us fight the Prop 104 tax increase in Phoenix! | AFP-AZ
Let's Fight Prop 104 And Light Rail
Taken for a Ride

I have nothing against improving transportation in Phoenix and make it easier to get from point a to point b without having to deal with congestion, but with this proposition, which focuses mainly on expanding the light rail, we should NOT have to pay for something most of us DO NOT USE. If they want to expand light rail, they need to find another source of revenue to pay for it.

[CodyW]

Prop 104? I'm all for it. Show me a great city, and I'll show you a great transportation system. The initial light rail line has been a resounding success.

Your argument is common, and in response I say - I pay taxes for the roads you drive on. I do not use those, either. Just curious, do you live in Phoenix proper?

[phx1205]

Using your logic that you don't use so you shouldn't pay for it, does that also mean if you don't have any kids going to school you shouldn't be paying property taxes for your local school district? Turn all public schools into private, supported only by the families using it? That's the same thing.

So what is your proposal to improve transportation to make it smoother to get from point a to point b? If you are against this prop, then I assume you have a solution to present.

[observer53]

All of the above.... And, improving the public transportation will take people off the roads you and others DO use.

[sargeant79]

Originally Posted by Magnum Mike

We've seen the signs on every street corner asking us to vote yes on Prop 104.

Information about this proposition.. MovePHX - It basically increases sales taxes to generate $31.7 Billion to supposedly "improve" transportation in Phoenix.

Information from those (including myself) who oppose it..
Help us fight the Prop 104 tax increase in Phoenix! | AFP-AZ
Let's Fight Prop 104 And Light Rail
Taken for a Ride

I have nothing against improving transportation in Phoenix and make it easier to get from point a to point b without having to deal with congestion, but with this proposition, which focuses mainly on expanding the light rail, we should NOT have to pay for something most of us DO NOT USE. If they want to expand light rail, they need to find another source of revenue to pay for it.

Most of us do not use light rail because it is currently extremely limited in the areas it services. I'm not sure expanding to every far reaching suburb is going to get taxpayers the bang for their buck, but improved coverage in the urban core of the valley absolutely makes sense, in particularly if you're targeting areas with already high bus ridership numbers. And with bus service in Phoenix being terrible by almost any big city standard, investment in public transportation infrastructure is sorely needed. It's time for Phoenix to grow up and be a big boy city.

[Bungle]

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. After some reading about it I now fully support it and will vote YES.

[ajonesaz]

I don't live in Phoenix, so I don't have any skin in the game. But some of the propaganda linked is misleading.

It states Phoenix will have the highest sales tax in the nation??? An increase will put it at 9% and many valley cities are the same or over. Many larger cities are closer to 10%

The argument that it does not serve many riders is a "chicken or the egg" situation. Many don't use it because it does not serve them. Will ridership increase as new lines are built? In my opinion, yes.

I would probably vote yes if I lived in Phoenix, they seem to have a spending plan in place (remember that 1% food tax a few years back!)

What they need is a better way to integrate with the traffic light system so that the light rail isn't stopping at red lights, this takes some of the advantage away.

I saw quite a bit of economic development along the rail lines and I think overall it was good for a city.

Remember we are not planning for "right now" we are planning for the future.

[The_Cadillac_Lawyer]

I'm loving the replies to OP's points!

Some Arizonian takers are so against paying for anything that will not immediately benefit them, that it becomes comical.

[Bungle]

Originally Posted by ajonesaz

The argument that it does not serve many riders is a "chicken or the egg" situation. Many don't use it because it does not serve them. Will ridership increase as new lines are built? In my opinion, yes.

This is exactly the case with me. I currently live in South Phoenix and have zero use for the light rail. I would have to drive to get to it. However, there has been talk about a possible route down Central Ave which would be a short walk/bike ride for me. I would absolutely utilize it to get to downtown and beyond.

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by Magnum Mike

We've seen the signs on every street corner asking us to vote yes on Prop 104.

Information about this proposition.. MovePHX - It basically increases sales taxes to generate $31.7 Billion to supposedly "improve" transportation in Phoenix.

Information from those (including myself) who oppose it..
Help us fight the Prop 104 tax increase in Phoenix! | AFP-AZ
Let's Fight Prop 104 And Light Rail
Taken for a Ride

I have nothing against improving transportation in Phoenix and make it easier to get from point a to point b without having to deal with congestion, but with this proposition, which focuses mainly on expanding the light rail, we should NOT have to pay for something most of us DO NOT USE. If they want to expand light rail, they need to find another source of revenue to pay for it.

The opponents have "focused" mainly on light rail. The truth is that only $6.7 billion of the $31.5 billion goes for expanding "light rail and high capacity transit" which includes Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). That's only about 21% of the total. The rest goes for buses, street improvements, bike lanes, etc.

The cost of what opponents are calling a "massive tax increase" amounts to 30 cents on a $100 purchase.