* Expand local bus services and guarantee lower fares for senior citizens and persons with disabilities* Coordinate traffic signals countywide* Authorize bonds to expedite and finance improvements* Conduct independent yearly audits of the programsVCTC would manage the funds, which could not be diverted by any governmental agency for any other use. The money collected in Ventura County would stay in Ventura County, and would go to work immediately, getting construction started on the projects stalled last fall within six months. In accordance with the Public Utilities Code, only one percent of the revenue collected may be used to cover administrative costs.People wishing to contribute to, or work on the campaign, are invited to contact Bill Buratto, VCEDA President and CEO, by phone at 805-388-3457. Campaign support checks can be mailed c/o VCEDA at 1601 S. Carmen Dr., #215, Camarillo, CA 93012.
Transportation Sales Tax Campaign Hits the Road Running
June 23, 2004
Santa Paula News
“Voters on November 2nd will have the opportunity to do something about Ventura County’s increasingly congested highways, deteriorating road conditions and bus and rail services,” announced Keith Millhouse, chairman of a newly-formed campaign committee supporting a one-half cent transportation sales tax.
“Voters on November 2nd will have the opportunity to do something about Ventura County’s increasingly congested highways, deteriorating road conditions and bus and rail services,” announced Keith Millhouse, chairman of a newly-formed campaign committee supporting a one-half cent transportation sales tax. The Ventura County Board of Supervisors today voted to place the “Maintain Local Streets and Prevent Worse Traffic Congestion” ordinance on the November ballot.Campaign activities are being launched through the Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA), a non-profit advocate for policies, legislation and programs that stimulate business and a vital economy as the foundation for a high quality of life in Ventura County.“Three major projects-widening the 23, the 118 and Lewis Road out to CSUCI-were supposed to break ground last fall,” Millhouse pointed out. “But because of the state budget crisis they have been delayed for five, even ten years. If the measure receives 2/3 voter approval in November, construction on the three stalled projects could begin within six months.Millhouse explained that because state funding is inadequate as well undependable, 18 counties representing more than 80 percent of California’s population already have a transportation sales tax in place. “This is a tried and true solution,” he continued. “In fact, ours is the only county in Southern California without this vital resource.”The ballot specifies how and where sales tax monies will be used. This expenditure plan, prepared and approved by the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) endorsed by all ten cities, is a balanced program that provides for transit expansions and lower senior and disabled bus fares as well as street and highway improvements to alleviate traffic congestion and make roads safer. If approved by voters, the measure would collect about $50 million a year over the next 30 years to:* Reduce congestion, improve safety and widen Highways 101, 23, 118 and 126* Maintain local streets and county roads, including improving access to California State University at Channel Islands* Expand Metrolink rail services and improve railroad crossings
