Phoenix Business Journal
Ahead of the Phoenix mayoral election on March 12, the Phoenix Business Journal asked the two candidates to answer questions related to business and the economy. Here are the responses from Daniel Valenzuela, who was elected to City Council in 2011:
PBJ: Phoenix voters will again decide in August on the city’s transit tax. What is your view of continued expansion of public transportation and light rail in the city, in terms of overall transportation needs and future business development?
Valenzuela: Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the nation, and we need to address the transportation needs of today while looking ahead to future growth. Our transit and transportation infrastructure, which covers multimodal options such as bike lanes, walking paths and shade structures, sets the tone for whether we are viewed as the world-class city that we are. We need to be considering new technologies that integrate into our transit options, such as apps that show how bus routes connect to the light rail. Pedestrian safety is also something that needs to be part of the discussion; we tend to forget about walking as a way that people get around, and their safety is important. With ride share, autonomous vehicles and new innovations taking place, people are finding new ways to get to work, school and even medical appointments. Enhancements to our transportation system also means employers have access to a larger talent pool than before.
