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OCTOBER 17, 2008
Proposition M Would Help Grow Region's Mass-Transit System & Region's Economy
Voters in St. Louis County will have the opportunity to propel the region's mass trasit system forward on November 4th by voting 'Yes' on Proposition M. The proposal would allow Metro to improve its bus lines by converting heavily used routes into Bus Rapid Trasit (BRT) lines, which include limited stops and the use of high capacity vehicles. Other changes would include increased bus frequency and more park-ride spaces. For details on how the expansion plans could improve transit in the region, visit Metro St. Louis.
MetroLink could also be significantly expanded, with new routes extending to North and West County as part of the Daniel Boone MetroLink Corridor, which the East-West Gateway Council of Governments has identified as the region's top light rail priority.
On the other hand, if Proposition M fails there will be far more serious consequences than simply a lack of improvements and expansion to the existing system. Metro would have to eliminate 28 of its 60 existing bus routes, including all services west of I-270, and stop the MetroLink at 8 p.m. with less frequent shuttles during the day.
The Metro transit system has also been a source of economic growth for the region, with $15 billion in economic development occurring within walking distance of MetroLink stations since 1993. These developments, known as Transit Oriented Design (TOD), include The Boulevard, Meridian, Express Scripts, BJC, Park East Tower, and downtown lofts.
Because Proposition M is vital for the region's transportation system, workforce mobility, and economic development, the RCGA has endorsed the proposal and urges voters to support it on November 4th. The RCGA has also joined the Greater St. Louis Transit Alliance, a coalition of businesses, organizations, and institutions coming together to support the ballot measure. For a complete list of coalition members visit MoreMetroLink.com. |
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Focus On Illinois: RCGA Opposes Illinois Constitutional Convention
On Thursday, October 16th the RCGA Board of Directors passed a resolution opposing an Illinois Constitutional Convention, which will appear on the general election ballot on November 4th.
The 1970 Illinois Constitution requires voters to decide every 20 years if a convention should be called to rewrite the State Constitution. In 1988 the measure failed with 75% voting against the convention.
The RCGA opposes the Constitutional Convention for a number of reasons. First, the Convention is estimated to cost nearly $80 million, and with a tight state budget and important services to pay for, the money could be better used elsewhere. Second, the Constitution can be amended through a process that is inexpensive and allows voters to decide on amendments separately, rather than the "all or nothing" approach of a Constitutional Convention. Third, a Convention that allows all parts of the Constitution to be rewritten would open up the door for special interests to advance their own narrow agendas at the cost of Illinois citizens. And finally, a Convention scheduled in 2010 would threaten the economy by creating an unstable business climate for two years, potentially making it difficult to attract and retain businesses during a time of national economic uncertainty.
The RCGA joins the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, Illinois State AFL-CIO, the Chicago Urban League, and many other organizations as part of the Alliance to Protect the Illinois Constitution. For more information, visit www.ProtectIllinoisConstitution.org.
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RCGA and St. Charles Partners for Progress Co-Sponsor Congressional Debate
On October 15th the St. Louis RCGA and St. Charles Partners for Progress co-sponsored the first debate for the 9th Congressional District at Barat Academy in Darddenne Prairie. More than 200 people attended the debate, including state legislators, business executives, and students.
Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer and Democrat Judy Baker faced off for an hour on domestic issues including taxes, job creation and the economy, infrastructure, illigal immigration, healthcare, and energy.
The seat is open due to current U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof running for Governor against Attorney General Jay Nixon.
Rep. Judy Baker (D-Columbia) discusses the need for investment in the state's infrastructure to boost economic development.
Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-St. Elizabeth) outlines his "all of the above" approach for satisfying Missouri's energy needs, which includes exploring options for domestic drilling, clean coal, nuclear, and hydrogen energy.
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9th District Profile
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. Population of 621,690
. Located in the northeastern region of Missouri, stretching east to part of St. Charles County and west to Boone County
. Cities include Columbia, Washington, Lake St. Louis, Kirksville, Moberly, Hannibal, Fulton, and Union
. Republican Rep. Kenny Hulshof has represented the district since 1996, winning his last election in 2006 with 61.4% of the vote
. Democrat Rep. Harold Volkmer represented the district from 1976 to 1996
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UPCOMING EVENTS
. October 30th: The RCGA Public Policy Speaker Series welcomes internationally-reknowned pollster John Zogby on for a luncheon speech at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mr. Zogby, President and CEO of Zogby International, has been praised as "the most accurate pollster" and "the pace setter in the polling business" by media outlets across the world. The event costs $30 for RCGA members; $45 for non-members. To register go to www.stlrcga.org/events
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The RCGAdvocate is published periodically to inform RCGA members and government officials about important public policy matters at the state, federal and local levels. It seeks to provide timely, in-depth coverage on regional issues, and, at times, to call RCGA members to action. We welcome your comments and suggestions.
Richard C.D. Fleming ~ President & CEO ~ (314) 444-1100 ~ dfleming@stlrcga.org
Chip Casteel ~ Senior V.P. of Public Policy ~ (314) 444-1107 ~ ccasteel@stlrcga.org
Susan Stauder ~ V.P. of Infrastructure & Public Policy ~ (314) 444-1155 ~ sstauder@stlrcga.org
Eric Schneider ~ Senior Director of Public Policy Research ~ (314) 444-1148 ~ eschneider@stlrcga.org
Kevin Riggs ~ Director of Illinois Government Affairs ~ (314) 444-1108 ~ kriggs@stlrcga.org
Christine Snively ~ Project Manager ~ (314) 444-1144 ~ csnively@stlrcga.org
Marlo Young ~ Executive Assistant for Public Policy ~ (314) 444-1134 ~ myoung@stlrcga.org
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Missouri Senator Jeff Smith (D-St. Louis)spoke at the RCGA Public Policy Council meeting on Friday, October 10th and gave his perspective on the upcoming legislative session.
