Phoenix 1997 Transit Election

How do citizens respond to the transit naysayers?

• "We need real transit solutions" by Paul Schatt, Editor of the Editorial Pages, The Arizona Republic, Aug. 31, 1997, page H1. QUOTES: "growth will occur regardless of whether we plan for it." "Some of the opponents of transit have gone to great lengths to make their case. One group trotted in a libertarian expert, who made a strong case that rail transit is a big loser and that the best way to provide public transit is with buses. This was used, with a straight face, to justify opposition to the proposal [for more buses]..."
• "Transit Taxes: It's about mobility, too" Editorial, The Arizona Republic, Aug. 31, 1997, page H4. QUOTE: [regarding $2 million in federal block grant money for work-related welfare reform trasnportation assistance] "...as one of the architects of welfare reform, Rep. Carolyn Allen of Scottsdale, said at a recent news conference held by transit-tax supporters, 'I ask you, where will they take those [transportation] vouchers if we don't have a good transportation system?"
• "Phoenix Bus System Like a Restaurant?" by William Lindley, as printed in The Arizona Republic
• "Transit foe has `hidden agenda,' accomplice" Editorial, Robert H. Bohannan, Business Journal of Phoenix, 28 July 1997.
• "Transit system foe is at it again" Letter by Rob Andresen, The Arizona Republic, 2 August 1997. QUOTE: Mr. Semmens "completely ignores the basic issue behind funding for transit services in the Valley: We don't want to become Los Angeles. ...Semmens' rhetoric serves no real purpose..."
• "Good public transit no waste of money" Letter, Harold Berge, Mesa, Mesa Tribune, 12 July 1997, page A16. QUOTE: "People who write that we don't need public transit and say that it is a waste of money should look at Tempe where better service has increased ridership."
• Bob Dunn: editorial in Business Journal of Phoenix: "Questions for foes of light-rail transit"
• "Better transit is the answer," Scott Hume, Letters, The Arizona Republic, 12 July 1997. QUOTE: "The few remaining transit naysayers should take their heads out of the clouds (of pollution)..."
• "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.
• "Transit Letters Missed the Point", Letter, William Lindley, East Mesa Independent, June 4, 1997, page 4.

1997 Phoenix Transit Election Page