I saw it just this last week in some commentary thread somewhere along the lines of "here's some real commitment to TOD for you". Utsukushikereba sore de ii
On a real-world note that is only marginally lighter, how's this for transit-oriented development?
I love when direct democracy defends public transport while politicians would waver -- I wish we would have more such referenda as Californians and Swiss citizens have had. *Traitor*, n. A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.
California however requires a 2/3 vote to approve a tax increase, put into place by conservatives in 1978 via Proposition 13, the far-right anti-tax, anti-government reform that is largely responsible for California's severe budget difficulties.
Still, your point is a good one - every passenger rail proposal on the ballot in California passed, many of them with nearly 70% support in a high-turnout election. One would hope that will send an unmistakable signal that passenger rail is VERY popular with voters, and therefore should be more popular with the politicians who want their votes. And the world will live as one
Note that even in the case of repeal of Prop.13, tax increases still need a 2/3 vote in the legislature.
Does anybody know whether the status of civil unions is the same as marriage, for the purpose of local taxes in California? It would be fun to have Prop.8 repealed as a tax increase....
