Attn. Los Angeles: Yes on Measure R

Articles — By forcechange on October 21, 2008 11:21 am

Measure R, which will be on the ballot in Los Angeles County on November 4, would:

Through a half a cent sales tax increase, generate around $40 billion over the 30 year lifespan of the tax.  This revenue would be directed towards improving transportation in the County.  Specific projects that could be funded include the Expo Line extension from Culver City to Santa Monica, extending the Gold Line in the San Gabriel Valley, building the “Subway to the Sea” as far as Westwood, as well as road improvements.

The LATimes Bottleneck Blog quotes Mayor Villaraigosa today as warning, “If you don’t pass Measure R, there will be no money for traffic improvements for the next 30 years.   In the next 30 years, I don’t expect the kind of federal investments we need in this region and … local municipalities have always generated most of the [money for] infrastructure investments.” 

Additionally, the Bottleneck Blog asked Roger Snoble, the head of Metro ‘what gets built if Measure R doesn’t pass?’  Snoble noted, only the first phase of the Expo Line ending in Culver City and a busway along Canoga Blvd in the San Fernando Valley could be completed. 

With the federal government focused on the bailout and other issues, fixing our transportation infrastructure is something that Angelenos need to take into their own hands.  Passing Measure R (a 2/3 majority is required) will give the county the resources necessary to address some of the vast problems present in our local infrastructure and public transit system.

How to ForceChange: if you are a Los Angeles resident, vote Yes on Measure R on Nov. 4.  

For more information check out this Metro page.