But beware: A misguided effort to repeal SMART's sales tax measure, passed in 2008 by 69.5 percent of voters, could derail the project, leaving taxpayers with nothing to show for their investment.
The RepealSMART campaign claims to concern itself with protecting taxpayers' interests. Don't believe the hype. SMART foes have already needlessly cost taxpayers $17 million in additional bond interest. That's just the beginning: If the repeal effort succeeds, taxpayers will be on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars. For example:
; In December, SMART had $5.8 million in active local contracts. That's money already spent.
; SMART has already spent funds associated with operating the district during the four years since Measure Q passed.
; SMART estimates the taxpayer cost of a measure to repeal Measure Q at $800,000 to $4 million.
SMART's legal team says that if there's an election in November, SMART would have about $200 million in outstanding contracts that it would be required by law to honor. That means if the repeal succeeds, the courts are almost certain to require the continuation of the quarter-cent sales tax for at least eight years to pay off the debt.
In summary, RepealSMART will cost North Bay taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars for absolutely nothing, depriving us of transportation choice. Talk about a waste of money. We'd rather protect taxpayers' SMART investment, support the successful completion of the project, enjoy the train and pathway and leave a legacy for generations for come. Wouldn't you?
Lisa Wittke Schaffner is CEO of Sonoma County Alliance. Gary Helfrich is executive director of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition.
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