I support Measure M (Countywide Transportation Tax Measure)
Measure M, if passed by the voters, would bring badly needed relief to Santa Rosa's (and the rest of the county)number one problem - traffic. Yes, our number one priority has to become solving the traffic problems on Santa Rosa streets and roads. It begins with widening U.S.101 and includes: repair, maintenance and better traffic light synchronization on local streets and roads. For too long, we have studied alternate transportation systems (i.e.SMART,I'm a supporter) looking for new ways - better ways of transporting people. Meanwhile, Amtrak, local rail and bus systems are either increasing fees, receiving tax subsidies or both and still making drastic cutbacks - while traffic problems continue to worsen. The reality is that people are not ready to get out of their cars and use alternative forms of transportation (just ask any Prius or Hummer owner). Sadly, perhaps not enough people will ever voluntarily give up use of their personal automobiles, in numbers that it would take, to reduce traffic congestion on highways and local streets. Until such time as our public officials accept these facts of life, nothing substantive will be done to properly address our frustrating traffic congestion problems. We must repair, widen and expand our streets and roads now. If not, gridlock will be with us well into the future. It's going to take strong leadership to make the tough decisions that will bring real traffic relief. Passage of Measure M would be a great beginning.
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