In a week that saw the Bellingham City Council pass a resolution in support of Proposition 1, continued community support gathered behind the Transit Works campaign.
The Whatcom County Council on Aging, United Blind of Whatcom County, Whatcom Conservation Voters, and Futurewise Whatcom all added their names to a growing list of local businesses, organizations, and citizens who are in support of the proposed levy.
Glen Hallman, Vice-President of the board for the Whatcom County Council on Aging said, “The Council on Aging has a long history of supporting access to public transportation for all, but especially those with low-incomes, the elderly, and people with disabilities for whom car ownership and driving may not be an option.”
Alex Ramel, chair of the Whatcom Conservation Voters spoke on the WCV’s endorsement of the measure as well, “This community has already made a big investment in transit, now we must protect that investment. Maintaining local bus services is a key environmental interest, but robust bus service is also necessary for our seniors, our students, and our economy.”
Previously the measure was endorsed by the Northwest Washington Central Labor Council, the Amalgamated Transit Union.
WTA was successful in a 2001 ballot measure to increase sales tax by .03%. At that time, WTA was seeking to replace approximately 45% of its funding. Like all Washington transit agencies, WTA lost its state funding as a result of the passage of Initiative I-695. If successful in raising sales by .02% in the April 2010 election, WTA would be collecting .08%. The maximum allowed by Washington State Law is .09%
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