To bring the question of gubernatorial candidates back to Mpls issues: In an MPR interview the day after the municipal elections, Mayor Rybak and Mayor-elect Coleman both voiced strong support for the proposed University Ave. corridor light rail line, and RT went further in saying that he didn't just want to see a new line every decade or so but a comprehensive investment in a whole network (like 3 additional lines instead of one) at once. He pointed out that this would benefit the whole region and should be funded in part by a multi-county metro area sales tax, presumably in addition to whatever state and federal funds can be mustered. It seems obvious that a piecemeal approach of a line every decade or two is not going to solve the transit problems of the growing Twin Cities metro area in the 21st century, and I for one will be paying close attention to which gubernatorial candidates (and those for the state and national legislatures) make this kind of comprehensive commitment to a regional light/commuter rail system a priority. In fact, if the proposed Twins stadium at the hub of present and future rail lines helps to increase statewide support for investment in mass rail transit, then the stadium funding itself becomes more palatable. I have yet to hear the gubernatorial candidates weigh in on any of these issues (though maybe they have and the media hasn't covered it).
Jason McGrath Corcoran, Mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
