Born To Ride News

Dear Friends,

I thought you might find this information both informative and enlightening.

Vote NO on 14% sales tax increase to fund Light Rail

NO Scientific evidence of benefit to regional economy
Tax redistributes wealth from the County to Downtown Tampa benefiting downtown Commercial Realtors, Developers and Banks. Ø
Transit Cooperative Research Report in 2002 – Economic gains from transit projects are a redistribution of Losses from other locations within an urban area and gains are roughly NET ZERO for regional economy Ø

Overruns on cost estimates of 50-100% or Higher (like Boston’s “Big Dig”?)
2005 – Federal Transportation Administration study stated that construction cost overruns for light rail are a “common phenomenon” with final costs exceeding preliminary forecasts by 50% or more. Ø
National Academy of Sciences report – Cost overruns of 50-100% are common for large transportation projects; overruns of over 100% are not unusual. Ø

Taxpayers subsidize 70-90% as ridership fees only cover 20-30% of costs
Like TARP, Bank Bailouts, Auto Bailouts, Insurance Bailouts and YES RAIL Bailouts, Taxpayers are left with the burden of heavily subsidizing inefficient and ineffective Light Rail. Ø
Federal subsidy trap – When Rail fails, the Feds demand their money back. Florida’s Bankrupt Tri-Rail in South Florida was BAILED OUT for $15million a year instead of shut down or the State would’ve had to pay back the federal government $256 million in federal funds it borrowed. Ø
Stop Robbery of the Highway Trust Fund – Beginning in 1982, money began to be diverted from Highway Trust Fund to mass transit and earmarks. Under Obama, 2009 – only 20% of federal gas taxes went to highways, rest went to rail, transit, earmarks and even diverted to the General fund. Ø
NO Rail transit in the country comes close to covering its operating costs, much less its total cost. Ø

Alternatives to rail can do far more to reduce energy use & CO2 outputs
Cato Institute 2008 – Light Rail consumes more energy per passenger mile than an average SUV as most electricity to power light rail comes from fossil fuels. Ø
Fuel economy standards by 2025 – cars will generate far less greenhouse gases than today, yet rail technology is locked in for decades. Ø
Traffic signal coordination and lighter autos will reduce emissions far cheaper at $50 per ton of reduced greenhouse emissions compared to rail costing $5000 to reduce one ton of greenhouse. Ø
Federal Reserve Bank study concluded it would be more cost effective to buy low pollution cars for every projected new transit user Ø

Xpands Government Spending, Size and Control
Land Planning should be LOCAL but under Obama’s “Livability” Initiative – New Federal Sustainable Development CZAR will force local governments to coordinate their transportation and land use planning via the federal spigots for transit, housing (HUD) and environmental (EPA) programs. Ø
Transportation Secretary LaHood threw out previous Bush cost effectiveness rules to fund rail thru the “New Starts” program; he will now judge projects based on whether they promote “livability” – a concept that is impossible to quantify. LaHood to fund rail no matter how much money it wastes. Ø
Current Ø federal rail funding process gives transit agencies PERVERSE incentives to select high-cost solutions to transit problems which is financially UNSUSTAINABLE at all levels of government.
Since 1970 – federal, state and local governments have spent well over $750 Billion subsidizing transit, yet per capita transit ridership has declined. Ø
Light Rail reduces mobility because its cost subsidies cannibalize funds that should be used for highways or road widening causing roads to be more congested. Ø

LIGHT RAIL IS INEFFICIENT, INEQUITABLE AND INEFFECTIVE
IN NO CITY IS LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT RUN ON SOUND BUSINESS PRINCIPLES — Laissez Faire Institute

VOTE NO on 14% sales tax increase to fund light rail

Kindest Regards,

-Brian Blair
http://brianblair.com

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Brian Blair, Republican, for State House, District 47.

District 47 covers the majority of Northwest Hillsborough County.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) expresses its sincere regret regarding Hammer Motorsports’ announcement that it will cease operations. Hammer Motorsports was the AMA’s promoting partner for the AMA Dragbike series.
“The principals of Hammer Motorsports are two of the most-dedicated promoters in the racing business, and it’s unfortunate that today’s economic climate has forced them to make this difficult decision,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “Despite this regrettable development, AMA Racing remains committed to the sport of motorcycle drag racing, and it is our goal to work with a new partner to assist with operations and promotion of AMA Dragbike going forward.”

Bromley added that due to the lack of a promotional partner, AMA Racing has suspended the AMA Dragbike National Championship Series until a suitable partner can be secured.

“Even though we must regretfully suspend the series, we will continue to support riders and promoters with rules, sanctioning and insurance services for individual amateur drag-racing events,” Bromley said.

Promoters interested in sanctioning individual drag-racing events or in discussing the future of the AMA Dragbike National Championship Series can contact AMA Racing Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant at ksaillant@ama-cycle.org.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.