We're backing Mecklenburg 1-cent transit sales tax

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Mecklenburg County's 1-cent transit sales tax is an investment in the future, although there are questions as to whether it will be enough to pay for every infrastructure need or prevent displacement of vulnerable residents to the effects of gentrification.

The 1-cent sales tax on Mecklenburg County transportation initiatives is a tough call for us to make.

We see the daily traffic snarls across the county and needs for road and sidewalk upgrades. Anyone who’s tried to navigate Charlotte’s streets daily understands the challenges. 

The referendum has the support of Charlotte’s corporate community and community advocacy groups. There’s also a vocal cohort of opposition, which we share numerous concerns with. Still, we can’t ignore the very real urgency of new infrastructure for a region that’s adding hundreds of new residents by the week. We can’t depend on a dysfunctional federal government that’s more interested in supporting a would-be king than funding services for constituents and state government led by people who see little use for supporting urban North Carolina, especially if it involves rail.

As a result, Mecklenburg is left with an imperfect, if not impossible, choice: go it alone with a local referendum or do nothing and fall further behind.

We’ll take go it alone and urge voters to support the referendum, although we have reservations. There are righteous concerns that the price of progress will be difficult among struggling residents as Mecklenburg becomes more expensive and the income gap between haves and have-nots widens. 

Is a 1-cent sales tax enough investment for a region expected to add another 600,000 people in the next 20 years? Transportation infrastructure is expensive, and prices aren’t likely to fall, as we’ve learned since the Lynx Blue Line launched in 2007. The Metropolitan Transit Commission voted in May to prioritize a 50% increase in bus service along with 43 miles of new rail service along rapid transit corridors. It’s going to be expensive, but better to get going now than to get caught having to dole out even more money for the same projects later.

If voters approve the referendum, the local levy will raise Mecklenburg’s sales tax from 7.25% to 8.25% and generate a projected $19.4 billion over 30 years. The bill is strictly local, since state or federal funding isn’t part of the initiative. 

We also worry that new transit – especially rail – will spur development that will put new pressure on communities already at risk of gentrification. There isn’t a defined plan to help our neighbors, especially seniors and lower-income homeowners, mitigate the impact of displacement. Throw in an uncertain economy in the Trump era, and everyone should be worried about what a sales tax increase will mean regardless of income level.

We also have concerns about a less than transparent process of the initiatives’ rollout and the return on investment. Although Mecklenburg is expected to grow by 600,000 people over the next three decades, no one can predict how many people will adopt mass transit as their preferred mode of transportation. If they don’t, it’s a massive waste of money, a boondoggle of epic proportion.

What we do know is the region is growing and doing nothing to keep pace will push us further behind in terms of providing alternatives to single-commuter travel, which in addition to choking traffic is expensive in terms of maintenance, insurance and energy costs. 

Referendum advocates and foes agree on the need for improved transportation options and infrastructure. Turning our collective nose up at a chance to improve our situation leaves the entire community in a precarious situation as travel will only get worse along with commuters’ – and ultimately voters’ – patience.

Charlotte City Council

In an era when collaboration is critical to accomplish long-range growth, Charlotte needs people who can make it work for everyone. Although there are several races that were decided during the primary, there are competitive contests.

At large: Dimple Ajmera, James Mitchell, Edwin Peacock III, LaWana Slack-Mayfield

Although City Council is dominated by Democrats, it’s a moderate governing board that has maintained a vibrant, growing city.

Headwinds are brewing, though, which makes leadership even more essential. That’s why believe the mix of Democratic incumbents Ajmera, Mitchell and Slack-Mayfield along with Republican Edwin Peacock III best positions the city for smart growth that best represents its residents. Mr. Peacock has a long résumé as a council member in at large and district representation and poised to bring centrist ideas to a board that has shown progressive tendencies.

This foursome is experienced, centrist-progressive and most capable of representing the needs of all Charlotte communities.

District 3: Joi Mayo
Miss Mayo, a Democrat, and unaffiliated Robin Emmons are first-time candidates who have outstanding credentials as community leaders in the nonprofit sector. In this instance, we endorse Miss Mayo, who has an excellent grasp of the district’s unique needs and role as an economic engine that includes Charlotte Douglas International Airport as well as burgeoning growth in communities that have at times been overlooked by city leadership.

An advocate for affordable housing, Miss Mayo is someone we believe capable of pushing Charlotte forward not only in making more units available but also develop initiatives that limit displacement of at-risk residents.

District 6: Kimberly Owens

We heartily endorse the candidacy of Kimberly Owens, who lost a close race in the previous election cycle. We’re impressed by Miss Owens’ attention to detail and vision for a safer and more equitable community as well as accelerating small business growth and support.

Mayor: Vi Lyles

Mayor Lyles has faced challenges of late. There's outrage in over her handling of public safety after a fatal stabbing on a Lynx Blue Line train. There's also demands for greater sustainability and a halt to displacement of low-income communities to gentrification. Regardless, Miss Lyles has been a reliably steady steward of the bully pulpit. Keep in mind Charlotte's mayor doesn't get a vote in council matters unless it's to break a tie or issue a veto. 

This article has been corrected to add LaWana Slack-Mayfield in a description of endorsed City Council candidates.

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