Janelle Irwin Taylor
The All for Transportation campaign launched its first television commercial Thursday, asking voters to approve Hillsborough County Referendum No. 2 raising sales tax 1 percent to fund billions in transportation and transit improvements.
The ad highlights all the benefits and, in a strategic move, doesn’t mention the tax increase.
The referendum would raise about $280 million a year and $9 billion over its 30-year authorization, if approved. The additional revenue would be used for repaving roads, modernizing traffic signals and other transportation technology, increasing safety and enhancing transit options throughout the county.
“Hillsborough’s traffic is bad and only getting worse. New growth. Old roads. County referendum No. 2 will change that,” the 30-second spot begins. “Computerized lights to increase flow, new transit options, hundreds of miles of road improvements to improve traffic and reduce accidents. Safer roads means saving lives. We have a choice. More of the same or new roads, safer streets and less traffic. We spend too little on transportation. It’s time to change that.”
The plan also includes the creation of an independent oversight committee to ensure new revenue is spent transparently.
The ad hit airwaves on local channels Thursday. All for Transportation is also planning a day of action October 13 when volunteers will go on a community bike ride, phone bank and knock on doors.
“In an election year with one of the longest ballots voters have ever seen, All for Transportation is getting its message out to voters in every way we possibly can,” said All for Transportation Chair, Tyler Hudson. “This plan has something in it for every person, neighborhood, and business throughout the county. Everyone benefits from fixing our failing and deadly transportation network.”
The referendum has backing from the Greater Tampa, South Tampa and Upper Tampa Bay Chambers of as well as Visit Tampa Bay. Several Tampa mayoral candidates offered their support for the measure during the first debate of the campaign season Wednesday night. That includes City Council members Harry Cohen and Mike Suarez, former Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, business consultant Topher Morrison and community activist LeVaughn King. Attorney and former Hillsborough County Commissioner Ed Turanchik was critical of the plan, but said he might vote yes.
The Tampa Bay Times also endorsed All for Transportation.
One comment
Jim Davison DO
October 5, 2018 at 1:13 pm
Janelle. Even the Hillsborough MPO says it is $9 billion over “22” years not 30. Here is where I ask you and Peter, Do you know who Judas was.
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