(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents a coalition of property and business owners throughout Pinal County who have worked to bring new transportation infrastructure to the region.)
By Monica D. Spencer | InMaricopa
Six months ago, from the ashes of an agency that tried and failed to fix State Route 347 came a new idea. It was a novel, if unorthodox, idea. In a bleak moment, it illuminated an unexpected new road forward.
Tonight, the fruits of that idea had crowds of people standing at City Hall, because the seats were all full. It became official — Maricopans will pay an extra penny for every $2 they spend on most goods and services in the city.
Maricopa City Council members tonight unanimously voted in favor of the half-cent sales tax proposal that promises to fund local transportation projects — namely SR 347 — but not before some lengthy discussion during a public hearing.
“The ability to fund expansions of roads is shrinking every single year. This is a problem because we are growing at such a fast rate,” said Mayor Nancy Smith. “For our health, our safety and our welfare … we must do this.”
Mayor Smith added: “This is the most important meeting I’ve ever been a part of.”
“I’m all in on this,” said Vice Mayor Henry Wade.
