Phoenix voters turned down Propositions 105 and 106 Tuesday during the August 2019 special election, saving light rail expansion plans and funding for some public services.
Under 105, light rail extension funds were going to be reallocated to other transportation projects like repairing damaged streets. But because the legislation did not pass, the plans to add stops in western and southern suburbs as well as in front of the Capitol will continue.
Before voting at City Hall, Phoenix resident Molly Triantis said her entire family uses the light rail to commute to the downtown area for school, work and fun.
“I think the light rail needs to have the option (and the funds) to expand,” Triantis said. “Our family depends on it.”
ABC15 reported that some Phoenix voters supported the allocation of funds because they believed the extension would harm small businesses all over the Phoenix metro area, especially between downtown Phoenix and its suburbs.
But other voters expressed that the need for reliable public transportation for people who don’t live in the immediate area is crucial.
“I personally feel like our traffic is getting outrageous,” Phoenix resident Kristen Voll said in front of City Hall. “I’ve always been a huge proponent of public transportation anyway, so expanding the light rail will benefit the city.”
Phoenix voters also turned down Proposition 106, an attempt to add a cap on city service spending in order to pay back pension debt for government employees. Since it did not pass, the city will continue on its original track to pay without neglecting other public services.
Corrine Maier, a city employee, said that 106 specifically motivated her to vote since it directly impacted her and her pay.
“If (106) passes, I think it’s going to have a huge impact on city employees, especially when it comes to raises,” Maier said.
While voter turnout was expected to be high, mail-in ballots only represent about 22.5 percent of the city’s registered voters, according to ABC15.
Residents who voted today said special elections are just as important as primaries and general elections.
“(Voting) is super easy,” Voll said. “I know it sounds like a broken record but everyone seems to think that it’s really difficult and hard to get out and vote, but you just have to find five minutes to do it.”
Contact the reporter at pjhanse1@asu.edu.
