2007 09 07 In Support of Public Transit

Download qlc_public_transit_approved_2007_09_07.pdf

RESOLUTION
To Support a Three County, Comprehensive, Modern Public Transportation System
Whereas the Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council demands that regional leaders take actions that improve the economy, the environment and society for the benefit of current and future generations in Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties;
Whereas we aspire to be an accessible, thriving community in balance with our environment and we believe the current fragmented, outdated public transit system limits these aspirations;
Whereas comprehensive, modern public transportation system which integrates commuter rail, bus, and demand response services can increase value and income to property owners, expand markets and improve productivity for business, and provide transit‐oriented development opportunities;
Whereas modern public transportation system can improve air quality, reduce fuel consumption, reduce road congestion, and preserve open space;
Whereas modern public transportation system can protect personal freedom, choice and mobility by allowing all citizens regardless of age or income to freely move between communities to access jobs, medical care, social services, entertainment and other recreational activities and;
Whereas modern public transportation system requires the full support of its citizens;
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council supports the development, maintenance, and operation of three‐county comprehensive, modern public transportation system which integrates commuter rail, bus, and demand response services;
Pursuant to this resolution, the Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council will:
1. Communicate the contents of this resolution to decision‐makers in Northwest Indiana;
2. Encourage the region’s leadership and regional organizations to support the initiative and     communicate with corresponding leadership and organizations in Indiana.
3. Educate the general public regarding the benefits of public transit for northwest Indiana.

Adopted: September 7, 2007

Comments

[Sandra Gleim (Healthy Communities of Laporte County]

As an update, LaPorte County's Transportation Council, under HCLC's umbrella, is moving toward expanding transport into our county and between the major cities in the near future. We have two social service transporters who are working to combine their services under central dispatch for efficiency. For more details, you can contact Belinda Petroskey or Gary Evers at NIRPC, or Carl Scott, chair of the Transportation Council and Executive Director of Parents and Friends / Council on Aging.

[J. Michael Baird]

Expansion of public transit and investment in these facilities, including both bus and commuter rail, in Northwest Indiana should be one of the top priorities for quality of life, economic development and environmental benefits. The costs to provide these facilities and the required large investment in infrastructure all must be balanced against the long term benefits. This will require a thorough analysis and careful public education process. Hopefully the forum will help us to better understand some of the issues and how to respond.

J. Michael Baird
Senior Vice President
Harris, N.A.

[Jim Albers]

My views: Although there has been a certain quaintness to NWI, especially in and around Valparaiso, growth is inevitable, so it surely ought to be as rational and orderly as possible, that is, in line with the goals and benefits listed in the Resolution.

[Joan Crist]

I would like to respond briefly to point #3 of the QLC's proposed actions: "Take steps to educate the general public..." Is there a need to think about initiating a comprehensive, systematic effort at regionwide public deliberation around transportation and related issues? Does the QLC have a methodology in mind?

Thank you!

Joan Crist

[Cara Spicer]

Comment: The line, ". . . even if this means reallocating or raising tax revenues;" gives me pause. I would feel better about that line if a) the resolution was in the context of an overall strategy defining priorities (education? healthcare? environment? economic development? all the QLC indicators) and b) a graphic illustration of what municipal, township and county revenues go toward each of these (Public Budget for Dummies pie charts:-). That was one of the things I found so exciting about the last meeting. It was a great opportunity to, in real time, start defining the regional agenda. I have a difficult time thinking piecemeal.

Cara M. Spicer

[Conni Clay]

I would like to emphasize two major issues on the subject:

1. the necessity and affordability of public transit to mitigate emissions from older model cars and the ability of underrepresented residents to engage in educational pursuit, not necessarily available in their communities

2. affordable public transits allows those currently unable to reach employment destinations outside their current sphere

Best wishes for a productive discourse on the transit subject.

Conni

[Melissa Benfiel]

Our agency operates a demand response transportation program for Porter County so we definitely want to be present for this important discussion.

Sincerely,

Melissa Westphal Benefiel,
Resource Development & Marketing Director Porter County Aging & Community Services, Inc.
219.263.8300

[Bishop Dale Melczek]

While I am not available to attend the meeting on Friday, September 7, I wish to register my strong endorsement for the Resolution To Support Increased Public Investment in Public Transportation. The Resolution articulates quite well the reasons for significantly increasing the investment of tax revenue in developing, maintaining, and operating a transportation system for the three counties. Too very often we give in to the temptation to endorse our own selfish interests rather than support the "common good." Our entire society here in Northwest Indiana, very especially those with limited means, would greatly benefit from your proposal.

Bishop Dale J. Melczek

[Sharon Kish (United Way of Porter County)]

While I believe that public transit is vital to the future of our region,
I am not sure that this is the best time to champion this resolution. With the property tax crisis that is affecting all our communities and the looming shortfalls in municipal budgets, I can't imagine any politician supporting reallocating or increasing taxes to support transportation at this time. If there are any tax increases, voters are going to demand
property tax relief or at the very least, maintaining critical public safety services. So I look forward to hearing the discussion. Sharon