Bruce Wright, U of A Science & Tech Park
Submitted by:
Bruce A. Wright, Associate Vice President for Economic Development, The University of Arizona
I am voting for the half cent sales tax, and I hope you will also. Approving the sales tax will allow us to fund critically needed improvements to our regional transportation system. These improvements will result in safer, cheaper and less congested travel – whether by car, bus, bike or streetcar.
Approval of the Regional Transportation Plan and its funding is essential to the long-term economic prosperity of Pima County. The competition to attract, retain and expand businesses is intense. This is expecially true for high wage, high tech enterprises such as those located at the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park.
Companies want a high quality of life for their employees. They locate their offices, plants and laboratories in communities that have safe roads, convenient mass transit systems and good air quality. They require a transportation system that allows them to transport their goods and services and conduct their business in a timely and cost effective manner.
Our current transportation system is outdated and inefficient. It is an impediment to continued economic growth and prosperity. Good transportation leads to good jobs.
To create a community that offers an attractive business environment, we need to vote “yes” for the Regional Transportation Plan and the half cent sales tax. It is a simple matter of economics. On average the half cent tax will cost the average taxpayer in Pima county $2 month. This is less than the cost of a good cup of coffee. This small personal investment will deliver a large return to the community.
Your “yes” vote will help fund a better future for Pima County.
