In the end, it wasn’t even close. Phoenix, Ariz., voters, for the fourth time since 2000, took to the ballot box in a special election on Aug. 27 to vote down Proposition 105, which would have stopped existing and future light-rail expansion plans in the city.
The city says approximately 180,636 ballots were cast, which is the highest number in a Phoenix Special Election involving only ballot measures. Unofficial election results show that 62.33 percent of the votes were against Prop 105 while 37.67 percent were in support of it with approximately 15,000 early ballots remaining to be validated and processed.
In a series of Twitter posts, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego expressed her gratitude to the city’s voters, “Thank you, Phoenix— we did it! Together, we’ve defeated both Prop 105 and 106. Welcome to the Phoenix of the future— where we invest in our transportation, our parks and our libraries, and where Phoenicians, not outside special interests, decide what’s best for our city.”
She followed by stating the vote was not only about differing opinions, but what residents firmly stating what they wanted in their community.
American Public Transportation Association President and CEO Paul Skoutelas said, “Today was a monumental day at the ballot box for public transportation in Phoenix, Ariz. Congratulations to the forward-thinking residents of Phoenix, who voted to ensure that their light-rail system can expand to better serve the transit needs of a rapidly growing city looking to the future. Phoenix made it resoundingly clear to the naysayers that light rail is essential to their economy and their community.”
He added, “I commend Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, who made investing in public transportation a key part of her agenda, and Valley Metro CEO Scott Smith and his team, who can continue their outstanding work in expanding mobility options for Phoenix. APTA remains committed to fighting at the local, state and federal levels to improve and expand public transit options.”
Valley Metro issued a statement that said the vote means the regional rail system build out, consisting of the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub, Northwest Extension Phase II and Capitol/I-10 West Extension, will continue.
"Valley Metro will continue to partner with the community and help local businesses before and during the construction of current and future extensions. Related to the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub, the business assistance program has started earlier than ever before and it has the largest budget allocated to technical, financial and marketing assistance programs than any other prior rail project in metro Phoenix," Valley Metro said.
