For business, buses are a necessity. That is why I support the sales tax re-authorization for Spokane Transit Authority. Continued funding for public transportation means no increase in taxes. Should you choose to join me in supporting this effort, you will pay no more for public transportation than you do right now.

As chairman of Greater Spokane Inc., the combined Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council, this vote is all business for me. Transit service is essential to our growing metropolitan area. Transit and mobility services make the Spokane region more attractive to outside investment and continued growth of existing companies. When businesses contemplate a move to our region or consider a major expansion, a key consideration is our region’s available infrastructure. That includes transit services that will link their new work force to business locations throughout the region.

For those of you who don’t ride the bus, or have employees who make use of the service, I encourage you to think of the multiple public goods that transit service provides. Buses transport patients to doctors’ appointments and hospitals. Buses provide an inexpensive option for the elderly and individuals without access to personal vehicles. Public transportation connects our first-class universities with students from throughout the region.

Spokane Transit Authority has been a diligent steward of our tax dollars and has produced results that include increasing ridership by 9.4 percent to 7.9 million fixed route rides. Service has improved to many areas including Spokane Valley, north Spokane, Liberty Lake, Medical Lake, Cheney and Airway Heights. Ridership in some areas has increased by as much as 85 percent! Accountability measures have included televising STA board meetings, conducting opinion surveys and the formation of a Citizen Advisory Committee designed to solicit regular input.

Four years ago, when citizens approved funding for transit, the burden was on STA to produce results. I believe it has done that by exceeding the expectations of voters in Spokane County.

I support this re-authorization of the three-tenths of 1 cent sales tax to sustain the current six-tenths of 1 cent currently paid by Spokane County residents. It is important to remember: You will pay no more for transit than you are already paying now.

I propose that you consider three things:

“You will pay no more in taxes than you are paying currently.

“Buses are good for business. They connect our current work force and have serious implications on economic development going forward.

“Spokane Transit Authority has proved to be a good steward of our tax dollars by meeting and exceeding our expectations for service.

Ballots for STA funding re-authorization go in the mail this week and are due to the Spokane County Elections Department by May 20. I encourage you to join many people in the business community who believe buses are good for business. Vote yes in support of re-authorizing funding for transit.