Light-Rail Expansion Not The Best Reason For New Tax

16 January 2004 - 5:00am

Poll shows that extending a 20-year transit tax is favorable for growth in Arizona, but many are skeptical about building more light-rail lines.

"'No part of the Valley that doesn't want light rail is being forced to have it,' Zuercher said. 'It's all part of a package and a comprehensive plan that gives a multitude of (transportation) options. If you want to pick out individual pieces, this plan falls apart.' People who fought against Phoenix's successful light-rail ballot measure in 2000 already are mounting a new anti-rail campaign. Last week, the Goldwater Institute, a conservative think tank, released a report calling light rail a waste of taxpayer money because too few people would use it."

Source: The Arizona Republic, January 15, 2004
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