Archive for September 26, 2008
Transportation Tax, Good Or Bad?
by Bob Steiner
Since becoming governor, Bill Richardson has done a lot for this state. The various construction activities he has championed under G.R.I.P. (Governor Richardson’s Improvement Program) are, for the most part, commendable and noteworthy projects. Now as we approach the November 4th election,we are called upon to vote for a tax which provides little or no tangible benefits to citizens of South Santa Fe County. For the reasons listed below, in this particular case, I ask you to vote no on this transportation tax.
At a recent meeting in Edgewood, Mr Guillen from the Regional Transportation District out of Santa Fe, stated that the proposed transportation tax would provide some funding for bus commuters who travel daily from the Edgewood-Moriarty-Stanley area to Santa Fe ( a recent physical count at the bus stops in question revealed there were a total of 13 area residents taking advantage of this service). This limited ridership doesn’t justify the spending of any tax money. According to Mr. Guillen, while other benefits for our area might be forthcoming, half of the funds brought in are destined to go to support the ailing Railrunner, a Richardson G.R.I.P. endeavor. IÂ just seem to find it difficult to understand how I, or any East Mountain resident, living some thirty miles East of the rail line, would receive any benefit from this additional assessment.
Since the tax proposal was first annnounced some weeks ago, I have been discussing the ramifications of this plan with other citizens, who seemed to not really understand or appreciate the impact of such a tax. I had really begun to be disheartened regarding this tax when Santa Fe County Commmisioner Jack Sullivan announced that he was against this matter. Then on Wednesday morning on AM770 at 7:00 A.M.there was an hour-long discussion on this tax, which is also on the ballot in three other counties. All of the call-in participants spoke out in opposition to the plan! This has given me hope and for the reasons stated, as well as the fact that we have no representation within the Transportation District, causes me to appeal to you and all Santa Fe County voters to vote no on this measure. Let’s Slip The GRIP!