READER'S EDITORIAL: SANDAG MISUSE OF OUR TAXES

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By James Rue, El Cajon

June 2, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Hello, SANDAG.  I'm in fear of misuse of our tax dollars by SANDAG, and I would like my opinion heard.

For more than 30 years I commuted to/from downtown San Diego. I drove, I carpooled, and commuted using public transportation (bus & trolley).

And your system still stinks. Originally, I'm from one of those very large cities where public transportation was accessible on every corner, and the fare was reasonable.  San Diego, and metro area is NOT accessible.  I remember leaving home two and half hours to three hours early to get to work, using public transportation and always getting home several hours late. When I carpooled I left about an hour earlier and if I drove myself and left 30 minutes earlier I could be at work in less than 25 minutes.  I have some suggestions for you to consider.

1. Today all new vehicles are built more efficient, and environmentally agreeable (gas and electric).  Provide tax incentives to purchasers of newer vehicles rather than the reverse; there is no incentive to purchase a "newer" environmentally (gas/electric) friendly vehicle, especially if their NON-environmentally older vehicle pollutes. (the better gas mileage the better the incentive as an example). 

2. It's been stated that only about 3% of the county residents use public transportation. I would suggest MORE express buses, and trolleys. Fewer stops, more direct routes with three, maybe four stops. Plan or get suggestions as to best stops / destinations. There really is no reason that the trolley has to stop at each and every station, if there is an express designated trolley, (Yes, it can be done).

3. Where is the vehicle traffic coming from and going to? What businesses, governments. military, "large employee organizations"  are these drivers heading to/from?  Why not suggest to these organizations to create more 'FLEX' hours.  Why do courts have to be 8 - 5? Why does schools have to be 9 - 3? Why do government offices have to be 8 - 5? Why do doctor office visits have to be 8 - 5? etc.... After all, the retail malls are very flexible with their hours. WHY?  Offer an incident (reduced fares) to employees who travel to/from during NON-PEAK hours.

4. FIX THE ROADS AS PROMISED.

5. I would ask all voters to remove -- "vote OUT” -- any representative that does not keep their promise to "FIX OUR ROADS" and use our tax dollars for what they were intended for.  I remember the promise (with our tax dollars) to fix our ROADS, to reduce traffic, and NOT for more trolley tracks or bike lanes. In fact, where is my incentive to ride a horse to/from work; are there stables available for parking my horse?  Do I get a special lane on the road? 

The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.

 


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