RTA Testimony - Ordinance 071130
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
October 24, 2007
We of the Regional Transit Alliance strongly support construction of a light rail spine as a key part of the region's public transit system. We also assert strongly our commitment to maintain and improve the existing bus transit system.
We support this ordinance to repeal the result of the November 2006 election.
We ask that the Council amend this ordinance to strongly affirm its clear and unambiguous commitment to honor the intent of the voters last November when they voted for a light rail plan, and to do so by preparing a workable light rail transit project as quickly as possible, and by presenting that plan to the voters as early as practical in 2008.
Though the Council has the power to take this action, we realize that repeal won't be an easy decision to make. Some may interpret it as thwarting the will of the voters. We don't see it that way.
We agree with you that the plan approved by the voters last year has been shown to be unworkable, and that the best way to clear the air and move forward with a truly workable phase one light rail spine is for the Council to take this action.
If you act now to repeal, you will avoid the risk of an uncertain and potentially confusing outcome of an initiative petition question to repeal on the ballot next February.
If you act now, you can assure adequate time to develop a workable light rail plan to present to the voters next year in April or some later election.
We commend the Council and the ATA for moving forward to prepare a workable light rail plan, and by seeking advice from the Kansas City Light Rail Citizen Task Force.
Finally, we recognize that Kansas City can't have both the existing transit system and light rail without additional revenue. Voters didn't realize that when they went to the polls last year. We will work with you to assure that funding is in place for continued operation of the existing transit system before we go forward with light rail.
Margie Richcreek, Chair
Regional Transit Alliance