MARTA Expansion Vote Fails, Legislator Says He's Disappointed

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA -- The Gwinnett County Legislative Delegation commented Wednesday on the vote to expand MARTA in Gwinnett County Tuesday.

“On Tuesday, March 19, 2019, the voters of Gwinnett County spoke. With just under 17 percent of eligible voters in Gwinnett, the MARTA referendum failed by a vote of 54.32 to 45.68 percent," said Representative Pedro “Pete” Marin, (D-Duluth).

“As members of the Gwinnett Legislative Delegation who support expanding transit in Gwinnett, we are disappointed by the outcome, but not dismayed," said Marin. "This is not the failure of Gwinnett voters, but Gwinnett County Commissioners who politicized the process by requiring a special election in March as opposed to the November 2018 midterm election.

“Concerns were raised, but they were ignored. Politicians placed their interests before the needs of those they serve, and the long-term interests of Gwinnett County.

“We will not allow defeat to slow our momentum," he said. "Gwinnett is changing for the better. We are a county of nearly a million people from every corner of the earth who embrace diversity and inclusion and recognize the economic potential we possess. The lack of serious investment in our transit system in Gwinnett has resulted in missed economic opportunities, worsening congestion throughout the county and a lack of accessibility for Gwinnett’s residents. Tomorrow is a new day, and we will begin the process again.

“We will continue to work hard to expand transit in Gwinnett to ensure our county remains economically vibrant for decades to come. Our work is not done.”

Representative Pedro “Pete” Marin represents the citizens of District 96, which includes portions of Gwinnett County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2002 and currently serves on the Banks and Banking, Economic Development & Tourism, Industry and Labor and Science and Technology committees.