Alliance of Construction Trades (Q2)
Submitted by:
James J. Kuliesh, Executive Director
Chris Niccum, President
Fair share. Equitable. And revenue from visitors to Southern Arizona. Those are three great reasons to vote “Yes” on Question 2 to fund the Regional Transportation Plan.
For the first time in our history, we have a Regional Transportation Plan that is supported by every jurisdiction in Pima County. Each local government, from Marana to Sahuarita, and including our Native American Tribes, voted unanimously to approve the Plan and funding source.
That’s because the citizens who put it together made sure that each community would get a fair share of the transportation improvements.
The funding is equitable because it spreads out the costs to all citizens. Everyone will benefit from improved roadways, intersection upgrades, sidewalks, mass transit, bike paths, and other road projects related to public safety. And yet, it protects citizens because groceries, prescription drugs, housing and other basic needs are exempt.
More than half the tax will be paid by non-residents who visit Tucson, along with governments and business. We certainly welcome and appreciate the financial contributions of visitors. Again it’s fair and equitable because they also use our roadways while in town for the Gem Show, Spring Training baseball, LPGA Golf Tournament, 4th Avenue Street Fair, El Tour de Tucson, and other major tourist attractions.
Under State law, passing the tax in Question 2 is the only option we have to improve our community’s transportation. We urge you to vote “Yes” on Question 2, and to likewise support Question 1 since they both must pass together.
