Building Support for Transit Begins!

A day after the elections for city-wide offices in Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough several of our elected officials joined advocates for transit to publicly launch "DO Transit" - Durham Orange Friends of Transit.  Thanks to Gerry Cohen for posting info about the kick-off meeting here on OP and for being there last night to help explain House Bill 148.  The newly enacted legislation establishes the Congestion Relief and Intermodal Transportation 21st Century Fund, providing the Triangle with an unprecedented opportunity to build a robust transit system.  

It is rare for the General Assembly to open up new revenue streams for local governments.  This law provides an opportunity we cannot afford to waste.  In order to start putting money in the fund -- money that will help attract additional state and federal dollars for transit -- voters in the triangle will need to approve a sales tax increase in local referenda. 

OP readers will remember what happened the last time Orange County Commissioners put a new tax on the ballot.  The real estate transfer tax was defeated in a landslide.  In a high turnout primary election, those voting against the transfer tax outnumbered those in favor by an almost 3 to 1 ratio.  Supporters of a modest transfer tax as a way to provide new revenue for Orange County schools and parks were given little time to organize in favor of the transfer tax.  Those who were opposed, on the other hand, were ready with a well funded and effective campaign, parachuted in after similar success in other NC counties. 

The DO Transit organization is the first step in ensuring that this recent history will not repeat itself.  Other than the far right, anti-government crowd that opposes every kind of public investment, I do not know who will be organized against these referenda.  But getting the voters to approve a tax increase, especially with high unemployment and a tough economy, is always tough. Moreover, the General Assembly's slow pace in considering revenue reform that would lower state sales tax rates while broadening the base presents additional uncertainties and challenges.  

DO Transit has the potential to bring together business, environmental, low-income, anti-sprawl and smart development interests under one big tent in support of the referenda.  Current and former elected officials from the area are already on board - but they will need our help to ensure passage of the referenda (whenever they are put on the ballot here and in Durham and Wake Counties).  In attendance and participating in the meeting last night were Orange County Commissioner Alice Gordon, Durham County Commissioners Ellen Reckhow and Brenda Howerton, Durham City Council members Mike Woodard and Diane Catotti, Chapel Hill mayor Kevin Foy, and Hillsborough mayor Tom Stevens (my apologies if I missed others in attendance). Bo Glenn and the other organizers of DO Transit deserve much praise for pulling this meeting together and getting the Friends of Transit organization off the ground.  Wake County is also getting organized; advocates to our east have already started the Capital Area Friends of Transit. 

My first involvement was to attend the kick-off meeting last night.  As great as the turn-out was, more folks and organizations will need to get involved.  Sign up at DO Transit as an individual supporter and help identify other organizational supporters.  Become a fan of DO Transit's Facebook page. Spread the word.  An effective transit system is a key ingredient in managing the huge growth that is expected to continue in all of our communities over the next thirty years.  Without it, the Triangle is destined to become the next Atlanta, spread out over ever more congested roadways.