The Daily Hustle: 10/5/10

With the November transportation bond election right around the corner, mobility boosters and bond blasters are huddling to get their message out.

So far, an organized anti-bond brigade has been absent; despite their oppo to the proposal, the Real Estate Council of Austin said they wouldn't campaign against it. Now, a group called Coalition On Sustainable Transportation (or COST; see their familiar membership makeup here) has come out against the package:

Coalition On Sustainable Transportation (COST) recommends NO Vote on Austin "Mobility" Bond (Prop 1)

Austin, TX -- The Coalition on Sustainable Transportation (COST) joins a growing number of Austin organizations (like RECA - Real Estate Council of Austin, and TAG - Texans for Accountable Government) and civic leaders in opposing the City Council’s proposed “Transportation” bond referendum (Proposition 1) to be placed on the November 2, 2010 election ballot.

“This proposed $90 million dollar bond package has been created with little transparency and lacks integrity. The package is a veiled hodgepodge of projects deceptively mislabeled ‘transportation and mobility’ improvements. The city has provided scant data regarding the costs and transportation benefits of any proposed project,” says COST Executive Director and well known transportation expert Jim Skaggs.

Austin citizens use roadways for 99% of their travel. Contrary to the City’s deceptive presentation, more than one-half of the bond money will be spent on projects which have no impact on roadway mobility and congestion, including the following defined projects:

1. The most expensive project in the package is a $14.4 million boardwalk on the south side of Lady Bird Lake.
2. The second most expensive is $10 million for American Disabilities Act sidewalk improvements.
3. The third most expensive is $8 million labeled as “Arterial Streets” but is primarily bike lanes and sidewalks for the 3rd street Lance Armstrong Bike Boulevard.

In addition, another $12.3 million is allocated to projects for sidewalks, trails and bike lanes making a total of $36.7 million.

More than one-third of the $90 million bond is a “blank check” for the city because specific projects are not identified.

Will voters be swayed by this bunch, whose membership plainly includes the usual rail hatin' road warriors? Or will their broader complaint about money not spent on roads find any traction?

On the other end of the divide, Get Austin Moving, the pro-bond org, is celebrating their fundraising success:

Transportation Bond Campaign Raises Over $70,000

Austin, Texas – The Get Austin Moving PAC announced today that it has raised over $70,000 in contributions and pledges to support the campaign for Proposition 1. If approved by voters this November, Proposition 1 will provide $90 million for new road, sidewalk, trail and bikeway improvements across Austin.

“We’ve received donations from businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals throughout the city, representing broad-based support for this bond package,” said Ted Siff, Treasurer of the Get Austin Moving PAC. “We are proud to report that after only a little more than a month of fundraising, we have received $59,580 in contributions and raised $11,900 in pledges to support our grassroots campaigning efforts,” added Mr. Siff.

In addition to broad financial support for this campaign, the diverse list of Proposition 1 endorsements continues to grow and ranges from business, nonprofit and political organizations to neighborhood associations throughout the city.

Recent additions to the list of endorsements include the Travis County Democratic Party, Austin Central Labor Council, Texas League of Conservation Voters, Original Austin Neighborhood Association, Sustainable Neighborhoods of North Central Austin and Windsor Park Neighborhood Association. A full list is available at www.GetAustinMoving.com.

Heating up out there.

What the hell else is happening?

On the city calendar: The Zoning and Platting Commission meets in City Hall's Council Chambers, 301 W. Second, 6pm.

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