Officials can spend thousands of hours and dollars trying to convince citizens that a tax hike here or there is a great idea. They can pinpoint exactly where the money will go and which projects will be completed. Often, though, it’s to no avail at the ballot box.
So some might say it was a little surprising the seemingly shortest tax increase campaign in local history got the nod of voters on Tuesday. Everett residents said yes to watching their sales tax hop from 8.3 to 8.6 percent. The 0.3 percent will go toward restoring and improving Everett Transit services.
Whether voters were showing a rare display of faith in elected officials’ ability to manage taxpayer money, or fear of more cuts to the struggling transit agency and its popular Paratransit services, city leaders have a clear responsibility to use every penny wisely.
Given Mayor Ray Stephanson’s and the City Council’s prudence in adjusting the 2004 city budget, residents have reason to be encouraged. Stephanson already outlined the city’s plan to clear the agency’s debt, expand service and plan for the future by listening, in large part, to the suggestions of the city’s Vision Committee. Usually officials develop long-term plans and then ask for more money. Everett leaders must never take for granted the faith voters placed in them to develop solid, practical plans that acknowledge the reality of the agency’s ridership while connecting key points in the city as economic development blossoms.
Wisely, a fare increase is still part of the plan – something citizens expressed being in favor of when they attended recent neighborhood meetings to share their thoughts with city leaders, and something this editorial board believes should have happened earlier.
We still believe Everett Transit must make every effort to streamline operations and cut costs. The recent show of support at the polls does not mean talks with Community Transit are off the table. The two agencies must sit down together to find effective ways to work together to help riders and become more efficient. Old arguments and fruitless animosities must be put aside and new ideas brought to the table.
Everett Transit is getting an opportunity most agencies and government organizations don’t get these days. It’s a chance to take an important step toward restoring voter confidence in our elected officials.
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