I'm increasingly frustrated by my fellow Republicans, who keep trying to derail light rail. Their argument that this project will keep precious highway repair dollars away from I-15 is short-sighted. The Legislature has made a step in the right direction by appropriating money to do the needed expansion. However, the sand does not flow into the bottle any quicker with a larger funnel.
Those looking at I-15 as the only solution to a transportation crisis are not looking at the parking shortage that exists downtown. With the exception of diminishing surface lots, the parking garages are now charging between $50 to $100 per month to park. Many of these garages are at or exceed their capacity. With new construction, the problem will only worsen.Using light rail will take a definite change of attitude. We will have to picture our local buses taking us east and west to a light-rail stop as opposed to going the length of the valley. For those who want to drive, picture yourself parking at a cheaper surface lot outside the downtown area and riding light rail into town.
We don't need a special election to determine light-rail validity. That's why we have elected officials in the first place. Utah has a great reputation for making good long-term decisions, and I believe light rail is one of them.
Carlton J. Christensen
Salt Lake City