Advocates say "Vote Yes on Prop 3" to Foil Legislature's Plans

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Salt Lake County voters will decide on November 7th if they want to pay more sales tax in exchange for more roads and public transit. But they won't know which projects will get the money first. That's because the Utah Legislature is dragging its feet in approving the prioritization process. House Minority Leader Ralph Becker is upset:

"I'm very unhappy with the legislature for first of all saying the local decision has to come back to the legislature for approval," says Becker. "And then compounding by not following through with the standards we've asked local government to bring back to us."

Becker sits on the Executive Appropriations Committee, which was to have approved the process last week - in time for local governments to make the final list for voters by Election Day. Public transit advocate Marc Heileson of the Sierra Club thinks lawmakers have ulterior motives in delaying their approval:
"The legislature is trying to kill this," says Heileson. "They are anti-transit, so they think if they can stall, they can get people not to vote for this. So if you want to object to the Legislature and stop this playground politics, vote 'yes' on Prop 3."

Even without a complete list of priorities, Heileson is confident local leaders will be able to get their way in setting priorities. He says Salt Lake County officials and local mayors have proven their commitment to investing the sales tax revenue in TRAX and commuter rail.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom, Legislative Coverage, and Election Coverage. Copyright 2008 KCPW