Star Tribune Wed, 16 Apr 2008 05:20:45 GMT
Washington County hoping new transit tax can drive it forward
The board's 3-2 vote has deep implications for the county's transportation future, and maybe for upcoming elections. John McPherson's position on a quarter-cent sales tax in Washington County was typical of many residents who spoke against it at a county board hearing recently. "No more taxes, commissioners. Let's wait for another time and see what we can do," said McPherson, who's served on the West Lakeland Township board for 40 years. But Karen Fitzpatrick of Mahtomedi had a much different view. "We need to see ourselves as part of the metro area," she said. "Our transportation infrastructure here, as you all know, is pathetic." Polar opinions were on display at the April 1 bare-knuckle public hearing, followed by pointed comments by each of the five commissioners. The tax passed on a 3-2 vote. With that decision, Washington County became the fifth metro-area county -- joining Dakota, Ramsey, Anoka and Hennepin -- to join a coalition to raise money for mass transit and decide where it will be spent.
[[keywords: LandUse;PublicWorks;PropertyTax;Metro;]]
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