Parish
Proposition What?
RECEIVED Mon., Oct. 27, 2014
Dear Editor,
I think the rail line proposed in Prop. 1 is more an amusement park ride and is more an effort by which developers, construction firms, and elected officials can plunder the state’s Rainy Day Fund than it is a serious effort to alleviate the traffic congestion that afflicts Austin [“Proposition 1,” News, Oct. 17]. If people want to really do something to relieve traffic congestion, we should bite the bullet and realize that it would be much more effective, much more environmentally benign, and much less costly if we simply left our cars parked at home, started getting into one another’s vehicles, and started practicing ridesharing on a massive level. Incentives should be provided to encourage people to do so – commuter lanes, better parking places, reduced fees, pats on the back, and jubilant “attaboys!” Those who don’t wish to participate, who insist on driving their cars solo, should expect to pay for the privilege and for the congestion that they are contributing to.
I think the rail line proposed in Prop. 1 is more an amusement park ride and is more an effort by which developers, construction firms, and elected officials can plunder the state’s Rainy Day Fund than it is a serious effort to alleviate the traffic congestion that afflicts Austin [“Proposition 1,” News, Oct. 17]. If people want to really do something to relieve traffic congestion, we should bite the bullet and realize that it would be much more effective, much more environmentally benign, and much less costly if we simply left our cars parked at home, started getting into one another’s vehicles, and started practicing ridesharing on a massive level. Incentives should be provided to encourage people to do so – commuter lanes, better parking places, reduced fees, pats on the back, and jubilant “attaboys!” Those who don’t wish to participate, who insist on driving their cars solo, should expect to pay for the privilege and for the congestion that they are contributing to.
Chris Karaguleff
[Editor's Note: It's confusing, but there are in fact two transportation "Prop. 1's" on the ballot – neither of them actually identified as "Prop. 1." The first is a "Proposed (state) Constitutional Amendment" that would allow use of the Rainy Day Fund for highway projects. The city of Austin's "Prop. 1" (identified on the ballot only as "Proposition, City of Austin") is the city's rail and road bond proposition. Both supporters and opponents have been informally referring to these as "State Prop. 1" and "Local Prop. 1" – they are separate, distinct items on the ballot. Additionally confusing: There are three Austin Community College propositions – Prop. 1, Prop. 2, and a third tax rate proposal called only "Proposition." For more information, see the Chronicle's "Endorsements" page.]
