VTA is asking us to approve a plan before we know what it contains. Why is VTA asking voters to approve a plan that isn’t determined yet?

We don’t know what projects VTA will cut, or how much they’ll want to raise taxes.

• Will East San Jose get light rail?
• Will riders get more bus service?
• Will VTA pay its share to improve Caltrain service?
• Will VTA build an airport people mover, and when?
• Will BART be built to Santa Clara, just partway, or not at all?
• How many more sales tax increases are coming?

Voters have asked these questions, but no one knows, because VTA isn’t telling us.

“In 1976, the voters passed a law that requires the VTA to submit its comprehensive transit program to County voters for an advisory vote every six years.” -Impartial Analysis of 2002 Measure A.

VTA has known for years that they were supposed to submit a finished plan for your approval this year.

VTA hasn’t.

Last year, an external audit recommended: “Balance VTA’s 30 year revenue and expenditure plan.”

VTA didn’t.

This year, the state auditor noted that “at least since 2006, the VTA has not had a document purporting to be a strategic plan.”

VTA still doesn’t.

VTA has no plan ready for anyone to read. They want you to approve, in advance, whatever they adopt in December.

The purpose of this measure is for voters to express either approval or disapproval of VTA’s direction.

The state audit noted, “The transportation plans … do not demonstrate one cohesive direction.”

Even the state auditor can’t figure out what direction VTA is headed. How are voters supposed to know?

It’s time for VTA to accept the advice of their auditors. Join the Sierra Club in voting No on C.

Karen Maki
Executive Committee Chair, Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter

Dena Mossar
Former VTA board member
Former Mayor of Palo Alto

Greg Perry
Former VTA board member
Former Mountain View Councilmember

Dina Campeau
Community Activist

Margaret Okuzumi
Executive Director, BayRail Alliance
Member, 2000 Measure A Citizens Watchdog Committee