APB Archives

TRANSNET SALES TAX MEASURE (Dec 5, 03)

WHAT IS IT? (Nov 1, 03)

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In 1987 voters gave themselves a one-half cent sales tax increase that begain
in 1988 and ends in 2008. The tax is devoted to transportation construction
and repair. The revenue is split three ways: Freeways, highways, transit.
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SANDAG, which is now the regional transportation planning agency, wants to
continue that sales tax after 2008 for another 30 years. Under the ballot measure being considered and drafted, the revenue would be split three ways
again: Roads generally, transit, and environmental support. Initial polling
shows that voters would not give a two-thirds majority to a measure for only
roads and transit, so SANDAG is trying to sweeten the deal by letting the environmental community get into the money pot. Rough polling shows voters
will give a two-thirds vote if money goes to roads, transit and environment.
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SANDAG is considering some features in the ballot measure that include: major
reviews each 10 years of the 30 year collection period, possible developer
impact fees, revenue matching by Federal and State transportation funds, Smart Growth (which for SANDAG means packing as many poor people into ghettoes as possible), and an independent oversight committee similar to the one the school district uses to manage the Proposition MM funds.
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In the preliminary polling, voters indicated they would like to reduce traffic congestion and have more managed lanes (for themselves, of course), and they liked bus rapid transit (for other people). Since the ballot language is still in drafting, there isn't any way to be more specific about polling. In any event, SANDAG would like the measure to be on the November 2004 ballot, along with the presidential contest and the major federal, state, and local contests. (Ahhn'ld isn't up for re-election until November 2006)
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The status (Dec 5, 03)

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There is a working group of SANDAG members which is putting together a draft of the TransNet ballot measure. I managed to get a copy of the draft and will have a look at it. I'll be looking for better performance from the present transit system, for congestion relief, for sequencing traffic lights, for road repair and maintenance money, and such. After I read through the draft, I'll post some information along with whatever suggestions I have.
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This a proposal for a multi-billion dollar sales tax collection, over 30 years, for roads, transit, and open space. We should be sure it's written in such a way as to get the benefits down to the people.
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