Southern Arizona Leadership Council
Submitted by:
Ron Shoopman, President
The Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC), an organization that represents the leaders of a wide range of business, health and educational organizations in Southern Arizona, strongly supports the Regional Transportation Plan and the half-cent sales tax needed to fund the plan. SALC members realize that a thriving economic environment is only as strong as the infrastructure on which it is built. In particular, a safe and efficient transportation system is vital to the region’s long-term health and prosperity.
By 2026, Pima County will see a 54-percent increase in population, a 76-percent rise in transportation needs for the elderly and disabled, and an overwhelming 94-percent hike in vehicle miles traveled. If our roads are not in shape to handle this enormous growth, our economic health will also stall. Gridlock will be a way of life on our roads and in our economy.
Our region has voted against transportation improvements too many times. We need to go to the polls in May with an eye to the future. If you think traffic is a problem today, just imagine what you and your children will face 20 years from now as the population outpaces what our roads can handle.
Today is the time to act. A vote of “yes” for the plan and tax is a vote that recognizes the central role that roads play in the daily fabric of our lives. For your family’s benefit and for the future of our community, please vote yes on Questions 1 and 2.
