Prime Buzz: Does the election date matter?
November seems to be the most popular month for light rail elections across the country, according to information pulled together by the Star's Prime Buzz. A few other tidbits gleaned from the 40 elections studied:
- 40% of all 40 light rail questions passed.
- Of the 23 starter line elections, 18 were held in November.
- November and springtime starter line questions passed 33% of the time; the two summertime questions failed.
- Non-rail questions passed 70% of the time.
Obviously, Prime Buzz notes, this is not scientific. For example, if they included the recent Prop. 1 election in Seattle, it was a combo package that included light rail AND roads. Regardless, it's interesting to see the data laid out as we continue our local decision-making process. The mayor and the light rail task force want November, while some on the council want earlier. We might find out for sure next month, but it's quite likely the council will drag it out until November is the only option left in 2008.
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I think it’s interesting that light rail extensions to current lines passed at a much higher percentage. This at the very least implies that people are generally very happy with their rail systems and look to expand it….
So it looks like a 60-67% of the time light rail fails. Looks like some big bucks will have to come out to pass this one. It took the sports complex $3 million and they just came in with about 54% of the vote. Hope the Nov. vote is true so KC can save $300,000 and not have a special election. With a $18 million shortfall in next years budget they need every dollar they can save.
the 2008 shortfall was updated to $11 million.
http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/?q=node/8874