Next week’s election in Charlotte, NC

Next Tuesday, Charlotteans will be take to the polls to vote in the mayoral race (where RINO Pat McRory will likely win another term). Also on the ballot is a vote on school bonds, as well as a major issue that has developed in Charlotte over the last several years: the half cent transit tax Charlotte citizens voted in favor of in 1998 in order to pay for a “transportation solutions” for Charlotte, including a “light rail” system we don’t need. The vote is whether or not to repeal that half cent tax, due to the fact that not only do we not really need light rail, but the cost of the light rail system is way, way, way, wayyyyyyyy over budget. Once that was discovered, just about every top city official feigned ignorance, and promised to “get to the bottom of it” – which of course, they didn’t do.

Jeff Taylor from the John Locke Foundation’s Meck Deck blog has been burning the midnight oil on this issue for several months now. This post is a good starting point to find out the history of the half cent tax, including when it was voted into law, the posturing done over the cost and practicality of light rail by various city officials, one of whom is running for re-election next week (hint hint), and the various arguments that have been made over time against light rail, arguments made by many people including the John Locke Foundation itself. Jeff’s also written about the issue at the Rhino Times (more on that here, here, and here).

It’s interesting the lies and scare tactics that the “vote against the repeal” crowd have used in an effort to convince people to vote against repealing the tax (some of which are documented here). Of course, in a city that has a penchant for lying to its voters, this isn’t exactly suprising.

Don’t get me wrong. We’ve got major transportation issues in Charlotte. But light rail isn’t the solution. For ideas on relieving Charlotte traffic congestion, the Vote Repeal website has ten suggestions.

Charlotte polls are open next Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. I know I’ll be voting in favor of the repeal and, if you’re a Charlotte voter, I hope you will, too.

Oh, and if you’re worried that your property taxes will be used/increased – if the repeal vote wins – in order to continue to pay for the light rail project? Surprise! That’s already happening.