Article Contributed on: 4/9/2009 4:24:36 PM
Several mayors representing cities and towns in the north metro area expressed support for a possible sales tax increase that would help fully build out the cash-strapped FasTracks transit system.
Speaking at the sixth annual mayors' roundtable breakfast April 9 at the Westin Westminster, 10600 Westminster Blvd., the mayors were on hand to address a number of issues affecting the north metro area. Concerns over FasTracks, however, dominated much of the hour and a half program, which was hosted by the Metro North Chamber of Commerce.
"It's probably time to put up or shut up," said Thornton mayor
Erik Hansen. "It's time to work together to meet the transportation needs of our citizens."
Hansen is one of several public officials leading an effort to ensure the rail transit system is built out as it was promised to metro area voters in 2004. He recently helped form the North Area Transportation Alliance to advocate on behalf of cities in the north metro area, which could be shortchanged as RTD struggles with revenue shortfalls.
Planners with RTD have proposed completely eliminating some lines, including proposed corridors through Adams County, to make up for a $2.2 billion revenue gap. Other alternatives include slowing construction of some lines as revenues trickle in, which could delay a full buildout until 2035 and possibly beyond.
The FasTracks system originally was sold to voters with a 2017 completion date.
"That's not an acceptable answer to me," Hansen said. "We need to make sure as we move forward that we build out the system as quickly as possible."
It appears another tax increase, on top of the 0.4-cent sales tax passed by metro area voters in 2004, would be needed in order to get the public transportation expansion fully opened by 2017. A committee monitoring the FasTracks program recently recommended the RTD board of directors pursue a ballot question this fall that would double the current tax.
Aurora mayor
Ed Tauer said it's evident after crunching the numbers that FasTracks will not be built out fully and on time with the current revenue stream.
"It's simply not going to happen," Tauer said. "It's not a situation anyone likes, it's not fun to talk about, but that's the reality of it."
A straw poll taken during the breakfast offered a glimpse - albeit an unscientific one - into public support for a potential ballot question. Nearly everyone in the crowd, which was made up largely of members of the business community, raised their hands when asked if they would vote yes on a potential 0.4-cent sales tax increase this fall.
"As a mayor, I would like to see it go to the ballot in 2009," said Broomfield mayor
Pat Quinn. "It's heartening to see the support of the business community. We're going to need you."
At least one mayor, however, expressed some reservations. Denver mayor
John Hickenlooper, who has thrown his political weight behind a variety of tax increases since taking office, including FasTracks in 2004, hedged on supporting a 2009 ballot proposal.
"I'm not completely convinced this fall is the best time to go," Hickenlooper said.
All the mayors could agree on one thing however; building out only a portion of the system is simply not a viable option.
"FasTracks is a regional effort and just building a portion of it isn't going to work," said Arvada mayor
Bob Frie. "The polling is showing that it might pass in '09, maybe even easily, but there are still some concerns about waiting until 2010. This is really RTD's call, so whatever RTD does, we need to support them."