LETTER: Southwest LRT 'Not Enough' to Benefit Region

Governor Dayton has proposed a quarter-cent regional sales tax to build out the regional transit system.  Senator Franzen has proposed a more timid plan to fund the southwest corridor light rail line only.  This represents progress but we need a regional approach, not the piecemeal one that has caused our metro area to slip behind its peers.

Denver, Salt Lake City and Dallas and others are moving fast. They know that transit is key to attracting job growth and creating a region that is more affordable and attractive for business and families.  They know that creative, mobile people and businesses are not timid about deciding where they want to be.  They want to get to work and markets efficiently. A region with a strong transit system is healthier in every way.

Adding the southwest corridor line, which will benefit Edina and our neighbors, simply is not enough. We need to build out the system the Met Council has proposed in 15-20 years not 30-40.  There is a very high return on investment on transit; we have already seen tremendous development around the central corridor line, which is not yet even in service. 

I’m excited about the possibility of a truly connected, vibrant region.  We need to seize the opportunity now. I hope our elected officials will support an increase in the regional sales tax for transit-and urge their leaders in the legislature to move on it during the current session. 

Robert Aderhold
Edina, MN

Have something of your own to say? Send us a letter by emailing ryan.gauthier@patch.com.

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