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10 <br /> 1 NOT benefit MOST of the citizens of Orange County. I see EMPTY buses WAITING for riders <br /> 2 every day, and they make their run religiously. People are not taking advantage of this service <br /> 3 NOW, so what would be the difference. I know the economics are felt in 20 years, but right <br /> 4 now - I would like to suggest you HOLD off...on the NEW Vehicle TAXES and the Transit Tax <br /> 5 leverage. Thank you. <br /> 6 <br /> 7 From: Jason Baker <br /> 8 Sent: Dec 10, 2012 12:33 PM <br /> 9 Subject: Please vote to levy funds for our transit future <br /> 10 Dear Chairman Jacobs and members of the County Commission, <br /> 11 <br /> 12 I am unable to attend Tuesday's hearing on taking the next steps in the implementation of the <br /> 13 transit plan, but want to ask you to move swiftly to allow the collection of desperately-needed <br /> 14 money for our transit future. Let's start collecting these funds as soon as possible. <br /> 15 <br /> 16 I have heard that you may have been lobbied by a small but vocal segment of the community, <br /> 17 who opposed the transit plan in the first place, to delay you implementation of the transit <br /> 18 revenue streams. I implore you to recognize this for what it is, a mere stalling tactic, and to <br /> 19 move with haste to implement the will of the voters. <br /> 20 <br /> 21 The transit plan is a huge investment, for sure, but a crucial one. Every extra day delayed <br /> 22 in implementing the plan sets us back. The time for action is now. Yes, there will be hiccups <br /> 23 along the way, but the plan which you have helped to build is solid, and now has the proven <br /> 24 support of the voters. The pressures of climate change, social inequity, and economic woes <br /> 25 won't cease building if the plan is delayed, but our ability to combat them will undoubtedly suffer <br /> 26 if we don't begin to set aside money immediately. I have faith, as you should, in your own ability <br /> 27 to work through any issues which may arise, in consultation with your staff and the steadfast <br /> 28 help of our local and regional partners. You have far more options for control of our transit <br /> 29 infrastructure with money in hand than without. <br /> 30 <br /> 31 Please move us forward tomorrow night. Thank you. <br /> 32 <br /> 33 Jason Baker <br /> 34 PO Box 14 <br /> 35 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 <br /> 36 (919) 442-8278 <br /> 37 <br /> 38 <br /> 39 <br /> 40 <br /> 41 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner McKee to <br /> 42 close the public hearing. <br /> 43 VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 44 <br /> 45 Commissioner McKee said that he has for the past year ranted and raved about the <br /> 46 transit plan and he continues to oppose this plan. He does not feel like the light rail component <br /> 47 is suitable for the present tax base. He said that Orange County does not need this light rail, <br /> 48 but the bus system needs to be fleshed out more into the rural areas of the County. <br /> 49 Commissioner Price asked about recommendations 'a' and 'b' and which one is <br /> 50 preferable. <br />