Referendum on Property Tax Reduction, Saving Transit and Parks Funding

Transit

1.MCTS is a highly efficient transit system
Points to Consider:

• Within the last ten years we've gone to an award winning system to one of the sharpest drops in ridership nationally. We need to fix this, NOW!
• MCTS ranks first when compared to peer systems in cost effectiveness

With such an effective system there is no more fat to trim, and MCTS has gone from a diet to starvation in ten short years. It's time to MCTS back on the healthy track

Wonk:

• While the pursuit of efficiency improvements should continue at MCTS, cost savings may be limited because of the system’s already better-than-average efficiency ratings.
• MCTS ranks 3rd and 5th respectively against its peers in these two revenue categories (directly generated revenue and state government aid, respectively), while it receives comparatively less revenue from federal and local sources compared to peer system averages.

2.Without basic funding, the system will die
Points to Consider:

• MCTS has already spent its rainy day money (not on rainy days, but on basic operational needs because there is no adjusted or dedicated funding source).
• The recent study put out by the Public Policy Forum illustrates the need for a serious and quick reverse in the last ten-year trend.
  
• The current approach of cutting service and raising fares has necessarily cut ridership which creates a downward "Death Spiral".
  

The health of MCTS is directly related to the health of Milwaukee County, and we need to make sure that neither are in danger.

Wonk:

• The model of bus MCTS currently uses needs to be replaced every 12 years. We are now pushing our 15th year without replacement of a large section of the fleet. This has lead to record breakdowns in the last 3 years, all which would have been avoided if there were a dedicated funding source for transit.

3.MCTS provides a vital service for Milwaukee County
Points to Consider:

• MCTS provides more than 150,000 passenger trips daily in the Milwaukee area providing mobility and freedom for all types of people.
• MCTS serves 1 of every 12 Milwaukeeans every day
• Milwaukee's various festivals are made more accessible by MCTS and allow for people to not have to deal with the stress and cost of driving, parking and gas.
• MCTS has a dedicated group of non-captive riders actively supporting Milwaukee's mass transit system
  

MCTS is a safe, environmentally friendly, cost efficient transportation option that serves all of Milwaukee County. It serves the interest of Milwaukee residents to make sure this vital service is well maintained.

Wonk:

• One full bus takes between 25 and 30 cars off the road.
• Nearly 70% of riders have access to an automobile but choose to ride the bus instead… saving them money on gas, parking and maintenance of their car.

4. Transit gets working people to work
Points to Consider:

• The MMAC and the GMC have both testified to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors that a good Transit system is vital to Milwaukee's Business Community.
• Many MCTS riders credit the availability of transit with helping them find, keep or advance in their jobs.

MCTS connects people to jobs, and helps employers maintain a steady reliable workforce to and from the job.

Wonk:

• 43% of the 150,000 daily rides that MCTS provides are to get people to and from their jobs.

5.As gas prices go up, so does ridership
Points to Consider:

• With the rise in gas prices, more people will want to take the bus.
• Due to the rise in gas prices, there is more of a need now than ever for a good, functioning transit system.

More people are using the more affordable, less stressful alternative to driving to work each day.

Wonk:

• http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06 /02/AR2008060201545.html
• http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/10/business/10transit.html
• http://www.apta.com/media/releases/080602_ridership_report.c fm
• http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9154439 1

Taxes 1.) No more unfair subsidies!
Points to Consider:

• The current system only taxes Milwaukee County property owners in order to support our parks, even though many from outside of Milwaukee County come and use them.

With this reform, we will no longer make Milwaukee County residents subsidize the activities of those who come in and enjoy our parks but do not have to pay for them.

Wonk:

• Around 33% of sales taxes in Milwaukee County come from people who live outside of Milwaukee County, while 100% of property taxes are paid by property owners in Milwaukee County.

Parks

1.)Milwaukee's once glorious parks are now in the toilets
Points to Consider:

• Milwaukee's Parks are in sever decline
  
• A good park system draws young couples and adds to the quality of life for everyone
• Without a good park system Milwaukee would lose out on a huge attraction

Our parks are fantastic, but rundown. They are in need of upkeep and care.

Wonk:

• Our bathrooms are a good indicator of where our parks are at, 11 Milwaukee County parks bathrooms get a failing grade
• Dan Cody writes about our parks decline, here.