The most noteworthy thing about the mobility bond election was not that it passed – such propositions usually do – but that this one struggled more than most, passing with just 56% support. Digging through the precinct-by-precinct results, what really stood out is how many boxes were essentially toss-ups, with voters coming down within 2% on either side of the question (the boxes marked here in yellow).
What ultimately won for bond supporters, however, was that solid green in the middle – central city voters who like the idea of transportation options beyond roads. Clearly, the more car-dependent voters on the outskirts asked, “What’s in it for me?”
This article appears in November 12 • 2010.