Phoenix Voters To Decide Future Of Light Rail Extensions With Proposition 105

By Mark Brodie
Published: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 - 11:45am
Updated: Thursday, August 1, 2019 - 3:03pm

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Christina Estes/KJZZ
A light-rail station in Phoenix.

Phoenix residents have the chance to vote on a proposed extension of the metro area's light rail line down Central Avenue, into south Phoenix.

Early voting starts Wednesday and ballots containing Proposition 105 are in the mail. The measure would end all current and future light rail extensions, including the South Central one. It would reallocate city money that would have gone to that project and moves it to other transportation infrastructure improvements in South Phoenix.

The initiative survived a legal challenge earlier this year, with the Arizona Supreme Court ultimately ruling it could stay on the ballot. The justices also clarified that if the measure passes, the city could still spend money on upkeep of existing light rail lines, even though it would be prohibited from moving forward with any extensions.

Aimee Yentes is vice president of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, which supports Proposition 105. She joined The Show to talk about why voters should support it.

On the other side of the issue is the Invest in Phoenix campaign — which is opposing Proposition 105. City Councilwoman Deb Stark is co-chair of the committee and also joined The Show to talk about why voters should oppose it.

Early voting is already underway and election day is Aug. 27.

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