2008-08-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Mr. Norris said if we get authority for a transit authority but not funding in 2009, perhaps we can get it in 2010. Mr. Rooker said he supports a committee to explore legislation. He said it would be difficult to say that he support a $16 million plan without other revenue. Ms. Mallek said she is looking forward to convening the working group and getting a grass roots efforts to support the plan. She said things are changing in the rural area with regard to support for transit. She said we cannot rely on transit to pay for itself. She said she would support going for the authority, and separating out the funding. Ms. Edwards said the quality of life has changed for people since the February meeting due to high gas prices. She said she supports getting the authority and continuing to seek funding. She said it is important to keep U. Va. and JAUNT involved. She said if we put all of the pieces together the health of the community will be improved. Ms. Thomas said a good transit system in Charlottesville is important to County residents to get around if they carpool, etc. Mr. Boyd said he supports a transportation authority as opposed to a transit authority. He said he wants taxing authority to remain with elected officials. He said he is more inclined to require a referendum. He said the only funding option that makes sense is sales tax. He said if we bring in $25 million it could be used for other transportation issues. He said this is not a good time for any new taxes for citizens, especially for new initiatives. Ms. Mallek said transit has strong benefits to people who cannot afford cars and that would balance a sales tax increase. Mr. Slutzky said we do not do anything gas increases will amount to a tax on citizens. He said we need to reconfigure how we look at the word tax. He said there is a cost of not doing anything. He said we should move forward with a regional transit authority if properly funded. Mr. Taliaferro said it comes back to the funding issue. He agreed that taxing authority should remain with elected officials. Mr. Dorrier said he supports a transit authority. He said transit is now a good deal for average citizens. He said he thinks a transportation authority will dilute our purpose. He said he would favor having elected officials on the authority board. He said he thinks a sales tax is the way to go. He said a public relations approach is needed in the County, and we should take small steps. Mr. Huja said he supports either a transit or transportation authority. He said we need a clear vision of where we want to go and what we are trying to market. He said U. Va. needs to be part of the venture. He said we will have to put money up locally as well. Mr. Norris said it is important to stay true to the vision of an enhanced transit system. He said he supports a regional transit authority. He said he supports regional transportation funding options, but not a transportation authority. He said we could pass funding on to a RTA and use funds for other projects as well. Ms. Barlow said she is hearing support for a regional transit authority and funding for transportation. Ms. Mallek suggested that the County’s MPO representative serve on the working committee. Ms. Thomas suggested that the military installation be involved as well as their facility is growing.