*************************************************************************************************************** The following arguments were submitted for publication in the 2008 General Electon Primary:
Passing Measure 9-60 in November will define what kind of city Bend is. Before 2006 Bend was the largest city west of the Mississippi without a public transit system. An independent Bend Area Transportation District will be formed if the measure passes. It will free our city’s budget of $1.4 million that can be used to expand other essential services like emergency response, police and fire departments and public works.
Probably all 80,000 of us wish that Bend could remain a small town nestled in the majestic Cascades. Unfortunately, we need infrastructure that keeps pace with our population and for economic growth. Bend needs more family wage jobs. Government reports, Urban Mass Transportation Agency, found that average economic growth was 11% higher in cities with public transit systems. Surveys show 50% + of the ridership of BAT is work related. Companies move to cities that can house their workers and get their employees to work. Passage of Measure 9-60 will expand service. Failure to pass the measure might kill public transit in Bend for the foreseeable future.
The expansion of public transportation in Bend and eventually throughout Central Oregon will reduce traffic congestion, reduce pollution and petroleum dependency. As public transportation expands it will become more convenient. More people will use it to get to work, to medical appointments, to the college, to the market and eventually to places like the airports and to Redmond, LaPine and Prineville. In Bend, an independent transportation district has the potential of improving other City services. But, the ride is not free. According to the Bend Bulletin, “The proposed district isn’t very expensive, as public agencies go.” Taxable assessed value of homes is at about 43% of true market value. This means that a home whose market value is $1 million would pay $160 a year. Less costly homes would pay proportionally less.
Unions in Central Oregon think this is a good deal, please vote for Measure 9-60.
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Voter Pamphlet Support Statement
Bend Area Transportation District Measure 9-60
By: Mike Schmidt, Co-chair for Citizens for Bend Area Transit
I’m asking you to vote YES for the Bend Area Transportation District, Measure 9-60. For thirty-six years I have been involved in community economic development. Years as a banker and chamber executive officer, most recently the past President and CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce, have given me first hand knowledge of the importance role transit has in economic development. As a twenty-first century community, transits is significant in the long term economic vitality of a modern community wishing to be competitive in the global marketplace.
Socially responsible businesses know the importance public transit is to their workers and customers. For workers, especially entry level and service sector employees, to employees concerned about preserving our environment, an alternative to the automobile is imperative. For businesses, transit systems complement worker attendance, loyalty, and for those needing to stretch their paychecks to better provide for themselves and their families. For customer, a public transit system provides businesses an expanded customer base. Customers who are elderly, too young to drive, disable, without family or friends to secure transportation, or those choosing to reduce their driving because of their concerns about our environment – the growing number of “Green” customers.
The US Government reports rural communities with a public transportation system have, on average since 1979, achieved an 11% greater economic growth than those who didn’t have a transit option.
A YES vote for Measure 9-60 helps make certain our economic competitiveness, job retention and creation and continued growth in consumer and business expansion opportunities. Making the Bend area the best place to live, work, learn and play, is complemented by creation of a new transportation district. It’s important to our livability, economic expansion and to those in need of or chooses to use an alternative transportation mode. Please vote YES for the Bend Area Transportation District. If you value our long term economic growth, preserving our beautiful environment and believe options to the automobile are in our economic interest, vote YES for Measure 9-60. It will be a great return on investment for our community. Learn more at: www.citizensforbendareatransit.org