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Seattle has kind of a similar problem. They can't just raise local taxes to pay for local transit. So instead the state has to decide on most Seattle transit pr
by InclinedPlane 8y ago
Seattle has kind of a similar problem. They can't just raise local taxes to pay for local transit. So instead the state has to decide on most Seattle transit projects (and their funding), and of course all of the conservatives east of the mountains bridle at the idea of their money being spent on those big city liberals instead of locally even though the balance of tax revenues and spending means money flows the other way. It's infuriating.
- jorblumesea 8y agoSeattle has no such issues, as the voters directly voter for initiatives that come directly from property taxes. The governor and Olympia have very little say in what Seattle area builds, which is a good thing. Contrast that with NY state, where the state legislature and governor can interfere with MTA affairs. Cuomo is a huge part of the problem.
- InclinedPlane 8y agoSeattle's ST3 transit plan is funded from a mixture of tax sources including sales taxes and car tabs, it required a state wide initiative measure. It's not as bad a situation as NYC but it's still much less than ideal.
- fhdhehfhzhe 8y agoExcept for that $53 billion dollar light rail extension that was voted for and is funded by tax payers in the three counties it runs in.
- InclinedPlane 8y agoYes, and it was like pulling teeth to get it done, it should have happened much sooner.