What the HELL, Whatcom County Voters?
It’s a sad day for Whatcom County, lurkers.
Proposition 1 was narrowly rejected by voters, and my head has been nearly spinning off my shoulders trying to figure out why so many people would vote it down. I think most of us who care about public transportation and/or work in the field thought the anti-Prop 1 side didn’t stand a chance. Apparently they ran to their stuffy friends crying bloody murder and bank-breaking tax hike, and mobilized under the deceptive name of People for Progressive Transit. Obviously, this was anything BUT progressive.
I know you’re probably getting tired of hearing me rant, but I find this incredibly disheartening… and I definitely take it personally. The people who voted No on Prop 1 may have voted me out of a job — I can’t afford a car, so having “reliable transportation” to any location beyond reasonable walking distance isn’t an option. Many other low-income, disadvantaged, and/or disabled people who rely on the bus will have the same problem, thanks to the surprisingly high number of greedy people who voted us down with disgusting enthusiasm. Did they even read the part of the fact sheet that mentions an additional 15-20% of service will need to be cut in 2012 if Prop 1 fails to pass? You’d think that those willing to take away something important for their own personal gain would do a little bit of research on its long-term effects first.
If I sound a little bitter, I am. Can you really blame me, or anyone else who feels personally attacked by this?
Anyway, I plan on going to the WTA’s meeting tomorrow to discuss alternatives for the impending 14% service cut. If you want to attend and make your voice heard, you can find more information here. Hopefully a less dire solution can be found.
