Media Watch: 1997 (Jan.-Jun.)

updated: 17 April 1998

• In this file: January; February; March; April; May; June.
• See also: July-December.
• TRANSIT ELECTION 1997:
  • ARPA Coverage, 1997 Phoenix Transit Election
  • The Arizona Republic's Transit Election '97 Index.

June

• June 1997 ARPA UPDATE
• "Tempe offers blueprint for transit success" Community editorial, The Arizona Republic, June 29, 1997. QUOTE: "Ridership leaped 45 percent... after voters approved a half-cent transit tax to expand service last September."
• "Amtrak resists call for breakup" The Arizona Republic, June 29, 1997, page D10.
• "Facts, figures dispel myth of mass transit" Letter, Cliff Cowles Jr., Mesa Tribune, 28 June 1997, page A18. QUOTE: "The current [bus] system... needs to be shrunk down to just a few routes that might carry a worthwhile bus full of passengers during rush hour and then some provision made for carrying a few hardship cases..."
• "Public should stomp out the evils of mass transit" Letter, Allen Elggren,Mesa Tribune, 28 June 1997, page A19. QUOTE: "...the pernicious evils of mass transit..."
• "Public transit pivotal to Valley's vitality" by Victor Linoff, community columnist, Mesa Tribune, 26 June 1997, page A19.
• "Valley's transit system a curious mix that leaves room for improvement" by Diane Jacobs, Arizona Republic, 19 June 1997, Page 4EV.
• "Transit Issue Needs Regional Support" by Eddie Basha, Guest Opinion, Ahwatukee Foothills News, 18 June 1997. [NOTE: Third article in the file.]
• "Rail transit may solve Valley's transportation woes" by Bob Hart, Sun Cities Independent, 18-24 June 1997.
• "Warning about politics of mass-transit planning" Letter, Christi Davis, Mesa Tribune, 17 June 1997, page A10.
• "Purple People Movers offer crucial lesson: Transit will fail" Guest column, Jeffry Flake and Robert Franciosi, Arizona Republic, 16 June 1997, Page B6.
• "After years of decline, railroads on a roll in Vermont, elsewhere" by Anne Wallace Allen, Associated Press; Mesa Tribune, 15 June 1997, page B2.
• "Journey of life: Bus riders travel past many corners" by Sherry Boas, Mesa Tribune, 13 June 1997, page A10. Chronicle of bus riders' pleasures and woes.
• "Oiling the Tracks: Auto dealers rush in front of the oncoming light-rail train... but just maybe they'll trip on their own slippery scheme." Win Holden, Phoenix Magazine, June 1997, p. 14.
• "Transit plan expensive dream" Letter, Desiree Cordova, Arizona Republic, 11 June 1997, Page B6. Ms. Cordova says the upcoming transit proposal would "raise transit ridership from its current 1 percent of the person-miles of travel in the valley to a new total of 2 percent."
• "Address rail problem now" Letter, Christi Davis of Woodbury Heights, NJ, Arizona Republic, 8 June 1997, Page H4. Ms. Davis suggests that New Jersey Transit has excluded citizens from any input on rail projects and intimates the same is happening in Arizona.
• "Valley's senior citizens need mass transit" Letter, Virginia Schaefer, Mesa Tribune, 7 June 1997, page A18.
• "Sept. 9 [Scottsdale] election called on sales levy increase" by Roberto Sanchez, The Arizona Republic, 6 June 1997
• "Transit Letters Missed the Point", Letter, William Lindley, East Mesa Independent, June 4, 1997, page 4.

May

• "Expanded freeways not transit solution" Letter, Kenneth Collins, Mesa Tribune, 31 May 1997, page A18.
• "Bus-ted: Dealers transparent on transit" Howard Fischer, Arizona Business Gazette, 29 May 1997, page 8.QUOTE: "It comes as no great surprise that the automobile dealers are opposed to any sort of meaningful mass transit plan. After all, if the Valley had an efficient system of buses and light rail, some folks might decide they really don't need that second car..."
• "Voters favor tax for transit, poll says" Mesa Tribune, 29 May 1997, page A3.
• "Lawmakers seek public's help on transit problems in Valley" by Francie Noyes, Mesa Tribune, 28 May 1997, page A6.
• "Officials Seek to 'Calm' the Traffic Beast" Guinda Reeves, Ahwatukee Foothills News, 28 May 1997. Includes detailed description of Phoenix Transit Plan.
• "Valley needs transit now before we have no choice" Kenneth Collins, Letters, Arizona Republic, 27 May 1997, Page B6.
• "Get public involved in mass transit discussion" Maureen Bureson, Letters, Mesa Tribune, 21 May 1997. QUOTE: "If we are going to be able to grow, move around, and be able to see more than a few miles, we need to think of public transportation as a service we can't do without."
• "Passenger trains viable alternative for Arizona" Michael Garey, ARPA President, Letters, Mesa Tribune, 21 May 1997.
• "Costs of forsaking mass transit too high" William Lindley, Letters, Mesa Tribune, 21 May 1997.
• "Look at numbers on light rail" Letter, Tim Day, Arizona Republic, 21 May 1997, Page B4. Mr. Day believes the benefits of transit are outweighed by its costs.
• "Public adds 2 cents to mass transit issue" Francie Noyes, Mesa Tribune, 20 May 1997, page A5. Report on Phoenix's recent town hall meeting. QUOTE: "...transit will cost only 4 cents a day..."
• "Answer to urban planning lies in history" Thomas Ellis, Business Journal of Phoenix, 19 May 1997.
• "Dallas light rail system proves detractors wrong" Letter, M.D. Monaghan, Arizona Republic, 19 May 1997, Page B4. Dallas citizens ignored litany of naysayers, and the rail system there is exceptionally successful.
• "Dormant bus station to awaken only if voters approve transit tax." by Mary Jo Pitzl, Arizona Republic, 18 May 1997, Page B1.
• "Support for transit tax" Letter, Forrest Spencer, Arizona Republic, 18 May 1997, Page B4.
• "Transit essential to east valley's continuing growth" Guest Commentary, William Lindley and Robert Lindley Jr., East Mesa Independent, May 14, 1997, page 4.
• Letters, Arizona Republic, 17 May 1997, page B5
  • "Failure to fund mass transit also has a price" David Beale
  • "Plan's backers selling pig in a poke" Robert Franciosi, Goldwater Institute
  • "Don't repeat light-rail boondoggle" Jeffry Flake, Goldwater Institute
  • "Nostalgic 'fairy tales' cloud debate" David Shapiro
  • "Transit proposal going nowhere fast" Craig Ulett
  • "Public 'input' on plan was a farce" Bill Bowling
  • "Bus backers are behind the times" Vera Minkel
• Tribune Community Forum, May 14, 1997
  • Does Valley need light-rail serivce to make mass transit work?
    • Pro: Governor Fife Symington. QUOTE: "Let's put our ingenuity to work and build the rail system we have talked about all these years. There is no reason why such futuristic visions should not become realities."
    • Con: Tim Day, Chairman of Bar-S Foods. QUOTE: "The campaign for rail in the Phoenix area has little to do with reducing congestion or pollution. It has everything to do with 'keeping up with the Portlands.'"
  • "Valley's future hangs on fate of mass transit" Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshreany. QUOTE: "The Valley must have mass transit -- to get cars off the road and to move people to and from the major employment centers of the region. Without the critical transit hub that Phoenix could rpovide, we will face a tough battle in bringing workable mass transit to the valley."
  • "Facts make strong case against light-rail transit" Cliff Cowles, Jr., Glendale; see Mr. Cowles' East Mesa Independent letter below.
• "Pollution reduced by technology, not rail, bus systems" Guest Commentary, Cliff Cowles, Jr., East Mesa Independent, May 14, 1997, page 4. QUOTE: "Light rail is now an antique idea, besides one that will spend us to death with almost no useful return." See William Lindley's response.
• "Use facts for better decision on traffic woes" by Valerie Manning, Business Journal of Phoenix, 12 May 1997.
• "Rail plans on track in Valley? Funding dilemma may hold up cities' efforts" John Yantis, Mesa Tribune, 12 May 1997 page A1.
• "Rail link plugged for Tucson," Inside Tucson Business, 12 May 1997, page 3.
• "Town Hall proves that transportation has long shelf life" by Joel Nilsson, Arizona Republic, 10 May 1997, Page B4.
• "Arizona Town Hall: Laying the groundwork" Editorial, Arizona Republic, 10 May 1997, Page B4.
• "Transit tax hike's time has not come" Letter, John Semmens, Arizona Republic, 10 May 1997. Mr. Semmens suggests that transit cannot have any impact on transportation systems, and is a waste of money.
• "Rail transit offers efficient alternative" Letter, Warren Wilkes, Mesa Tribune, 9 May 1997, page A20.
• "Transit Funds Running on Empty -- Town Hall backs funding options" by Mary Jo Pitzl, Arizona Republic, 8 May 1997, Page A1.
• "Wow: Tucson in 30 minutes!" by Paul Giblin, The Mesa Tribune, 8 May 1997, page A6. Explanation of Governor Symington's futuristic transportation plan.
• "Allow experts to come up with fitting transit plan" Letter, S. Rogers, Arizona Republic, 8 May 1997, Page B4. Quote: "Recent editorials and letters against mass transit... contain simplified generalizations supported by carefully picked statistics and nebulous solutions... [and are] just more of the same, shortsighted, watch-and-wait opinions... But let the experts plan, promote, and submit to the voters a mass transit system appropriate for the seventh-largest city in the country."
• "Fife sees half hour train ride to Tucson" by Mary Jo Pitzl, Arizona Republic, 6 May 1997, Page A1. Quote: "The governor announced plans Monday for a study of a high-speed train that could travel between Phoenix and Tucson in 30 minutes." Governor Symington said, "We need to pioneer here, we need to open our minds."
• "Phoenix vote key to Valley transit needs" Letter, Jay Tibshraeny [mayor of Chandler], Arizona Republic, 4 May 1997, East Valley section.
• "Phoenix transit-tax proposal applauded" Letter, Neil Giuliano [mayor of Tempe], Arizona Republic, 4 May 1997, East Valley section.
• "Phoenix's transit vote may pivot on light-rail proposal." Editorial, Joel Nilsson, Arizona Republic, 3 May 1997, page B4.
• "Learn about light rail before you vote on it." Opinion, Rob Lindley, East Valley Community Edition, Arizona Republic, 3 May 1997, page 10EV.
• "City considers [transit] vote in autumn" By Roberto Sanchez The Arizona Republic May 2, 1997.
• "Rail transit for Grand Canyon?" Railway Age, May 1997, page 30.

April

• "Transit tax added to Phoenix ballot" by Mary Jo Pitzl, Arizona Republic, 30 April 1997
• "Light rail is a worthy, and needed, public endeavor." Letter, Dick Thomas, Arizona Republic, 29 April 1997, page B4.
• "We must park our cars -- Multimodal transportation needed now." Public Pulse, Warren Wilkes, Arizona Republic, 29 April 1997, page 4EV.
• "Transit in Phoenix: Day of reckoning." Editorial, Arizona Republic, 29 April 1997, page H4. Citizens task force is finalizing its report on mass transit. "...it is the City Council's turn to refer this farsighted but reasonable plan to the voters on Sept. 9, and then lead the campaign to win its passage."
• "Let us pray that the Valley moves toward mass transit" Art Thomason, Arizona Republic, 27 April 1997, page EV3.
• "We can't afford to dismiss Valley-wide mass transit" Letter, Scott Hume, Arizona Republic, 26 April 1997, page B5.
• "Student support for light rail" Letter, Peggy Schaefer, Arizona Republic, 23 April 1997, page B5.
• "History shows light potential for rail transit." Opinion, Tim Day of the Goldwater Institute, Arizona Republic, 23 April 1997, page B5. Author sees little place for rail transportation.
• "Half-cent tax is proposed for light rail" Lead story, Arizona Republic, 22 April 1997, page A1. City council's Steering Committee wants a 1/2 cent sales-tax increase for increased bus and light rail service.
• "Questions for foes of light-rail transit" Bob Dunn Editor The Business Journal of Phoenix, 21 April 1997. Refutes ideas and statistics of rail opponents QUOTE: "The trouble with light-rail opponents is that their "solutions" have been tried here repeatedly and don't work. Meanwhile, traffic tangles tighter each month. Rhetoric to the contrary notwithstanding, rail systems move significant numbers of people in other cities. The same can be done here."
• "Transit planners could use a dose of common sense" Letter, Charles W. Yoakum, The Arizona Republic April 19, 1997, page B6.
• "Phoenix transit levy gets boost; Panel urges sales-tax hike." Mary Jo Pitzl,Arizona Republic, 17 April 1997, page B1.
• "West Valley Commuter rail touted as rush-hour solution: Would be cheap, quick way to cross town, some say" By Ryan Konig The Arizona Republic April 16, 1997
• "Rail transit: Negatives outweigh positives" Letter, Walter Peters, Mesa Tribune, 16 April 1997, page A10. Author quotes old, misleading numbers from the VALTRANS report and attempts to apply them to recent proposals.
• "Rail option is the ticket to future" James Hill, Editor of the Opinion Pages, Arizona Republic, 13 April 1997, page H5.
• "2 Valley transit plans to be presented to residents." Kathleen Ingley, Arizona Republic, 12 April 1997, page B1. See the Calendar.
• "Mass transit 'experts' misguided in opposing transportation options." Robert H. Bohannan, Arizona Republic, 12 April 1997, page B5. Response to Rep. Overton's March 25th letter in the Republic (see below).
• "Movin' down the road" Editorial, Arizona Republic, 8 April 1997, page B4. Quote: "Investment in transit now will pay off down the road. Voters deserve business and political leaders with the courage to stand together in favor of assuring the Valley's future by addressing transit needs now."
• "Without mass transit, Phoenix will be left in the dust" Guest column, John David Herman, Arizona Republic, 8 April 1997, page B4. Mass transit benefits the whole community, not just those who use it.
• "Rail transit system would be wise investment" Letter, Debbie Pirner, Mesa Tribune, 7 April 1997, page A10
• "Gas taxes not just for roads," Inside Tucson Business, 7 April 1997, page 13.
• "Transit on fast track" Mary Jo Pitzl, Arizona Republic, 6 April 1997, page A1. An excellent article weighing the merits of several possible directions for transit in metro Phoenix. Includes transit-service comparison (bus, commuter rail, light rail, automated guideway, busways).
• "All aboard, for mass transit" Letter to the Editor, Arizona Republic, 6 April 1997, page H4.

March

• March 1997 ARPA UDPATE
• "Transit dispute: Premature tiff in Chamber" Editorial, Arizona Republic, 29 March 1997, page B4. Quote: In spite of the Arizona Association of Automobile Dealers' decision to drop their Phoenix Chamber of Commerce membership over the Chamber's push for better transit, including rail, "...a good and efficient transportation system that meets the needs of the Valley's workforce is an important building block to a better tomorrow."
• "A rough ride on the rails between Phoenix and Tempe" Joel Nilsson, ibid., page B4. Union Pacific officials took Phoenix Mayor Skip Rimsza, staffers, and a Republic reporter for a hi-rail trip from City Hall... in spite of problems, "it's becoming apparent that some form of... rail transit willl be part of the package" [Phoenix's proposed transit tax election.]
• "Downtown garage will boost pollution" Letter to the Editor by Lloyd Clark, ibid, page B5. Building more facilities to "attract more carbon monoxide emitting vehicles" is not in the Valley's best interest.
• "Tuttle wrong on light rail" Letter to the Editor by Dennis Burke, ibid, page B5. "Begin... with the existing rail line that connects the heart of Chandler with downtown Tempe, downtown Phoenix, downtown Glendale and Sun City... A heavily used commuter line will create a public habit for transit use..." "We could learn a great deal [from] San Diego" and their light rail and commuter rail services.
• "Mass transit won't solve Valley's air woes, traffic jams" Rep. Jerry Overton [chairman, Transportation Cmte., Arizona House of Representatives], Arizona Republic, 25 March 1997. In Mr. Overton's opinion, "cleaner engines [and] better roads" will solve Arizona's transportatation problems.
• "Richardson business-civic project expected to be announced today" Dallas Morning News, 6 March 1997, page D1. Public-private partnership to build large development along transit mall north of Dallas.
• "3 decades later, we're still arguing about transit fix" Perspective, Arizona Republic, 2 March 1997, page H1. Toll roads, transit, zoning, and planning all part of solving our traffic and pollution woes.

February

• Across the USA: Arizona: "Phoenix - Arizona lawmakers and business leaders are asking federal legislators for $129 million for a 10-mile commuter-rail project..." USA Today, 28 February 1997, page 11A.
• "Light-rail backers ask for federal funds," Tribune Newspapers, 28 February 1997, page A12. The project "must compete with dozens of other states seeking funds" under ISTEA. "Trains likely would be powered by overhead electric lines and run parallel to existing UP railroad tracks. The system would serve primarily commuters, but would also provide park-and-ride services to America West Arena in Phoenix, Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe and Sky Harbor Airport."
• "Encouraging words from mayors" Editorial, Tribune Newspapers, 28 February 1997, page A14. "High on the list of all of the communities is an improved mass transit system Valleywide" and after Tempe's successful transit tax last year, other Valley cities are planning or investigating ways to get transit rolling.
• "Light-rail line on fast track" Arizona Republic, 27 February 1997, page B1. "Arizona mayors, business leaders and lawmakers are appealing for $129 million in federal money for a 10-mile commuter rail project that would connect downtown Phoenix, Sky Harbor International Airport and Tempe." The sponsors are Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz., and Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz.
• "Rail transit is an idea Phoenix should look at again" Steve Wilson, Arizona Republic, 26 February 1997, page A2.
• "Plan would buy more time for Texas Eagle" Dallas Morning News, 26 February 1997, page 20A.
• "Salmon to seek funds for light-rail system" Tribune Newspapers, 22 February 1997, page A1. "Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz., said Friday he has agreed to formally make the request of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee... The project, which the congressman said is endorsed by Gov. Fife Symington, 'would alleviate congestion... and help with our clean air problem...'"
• "DART trains live up to their billing" Stanley Marcus, Dallas Morning News, 22 February 1997. Author takes first ride on DART and comments on how it makes traveling downtown much more convenient... especially with "no car to park." "DART's early contention that rail service would carry downtown workers to their destinations in a speedy, efficient manner is proving true. The claim that downtown shoppers also would find it useful was one that I viewed with some skepticism. But having ridden the system... I was obliged to recognize that I was wrong in my appraisal of the shopping advantages that would accrue to downtown merchants... Bravo, DART!"
• "Rail news: Commuter train could connect east Mesa to Phoenix and beyond" East Mesa Independent, Feb. 19-25, 1997, page 1.
• "Learn about freeway spending, future transit at Feb 27 meeting" ibid, page 1. Table: Typical characteristics of high-capacity transit systems (from Valley Connections)
• "Mesa needs transportation board" Editorial, Tribune Newspapers, 18 February 1997, page A8. "With lagging freeway construction, inadequate bus service and deteriorating air qualtiy, transportation has emerged as a major issue in Mesa... Freeways are vital links in our region's transportation system. But we can't afford to wait for them to be finished before expanding bus service or studying rail options. The Valley's air-quality problem also requires that we expand alternatives to the automobile."
• "Transit should unite Valley" Elaine M. Scruggs, mayor of Glendale; Arizona Republic, 2 February 1997, page H2.

January

• "Grand way to see Canyon: Light rail or buses to replace autos in state's 'crown jewel'" Arizona Republic, 31 January 1997, page A1. Diesel powered light rail, or electrically powered buses, may soon replace automobiles at the Grand Canyon.
• "Shut Grand Avenue, improve nearby streets, add rail" Letter to the Editor, Dick Thomas, Arizona Republic, 23 January 1997.
• "Veteran lawmaker rejoins House action," Trubune Newpspaers, 18 January 1997, page B1. "Lela Steffey returned to the state Legislature Friday, vowing to continue her fight for mass transit... Steffey served as chairwoman of transportation in her last term and worked tirelessly, but unsuccessfully, on mass transit. 'There's more support now... with the freeways underway, they're looking at mass transit.'"
• "Jams inspire sessions on mass transit" Mike Padgett, Arizona Republic, 17 January 1997, Northwest Valley page 5.
• "More buses, rail no cure for transit woes" The Business Journal of Phoenix, 13 January 1997. Marvin Cronberg, executive vice president of the Arizona Automobile Dealers Association, argues against mass transit.
• "Can trains bridge our flood of cars?" Mary Jo Pitzl, Arizona Republic, 12 January 1997, page B1. Sidebar: Sleek train may roll in Valley.
• "Up to $550,000 needed to test area rail service" The Business Journal of Phoenix, 6 January 1997. Private companies look to run commuter rail service.
• "Mass Transit's Not A Requirement?" Letter, Samuel Rogers, Arizona Business Gazette, 2 January 1997, page 8. Recent Goldwater Institute report misses the point. QUOTE: "Mass transit is an alternative to the automobile, not a replacement."

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