Prop 1 Passed

As we all know, election day has come and gone. Last Tuesday, Texans all over the state voted on a variety of candidates and issues both national and local. One such issue of particular importance to Austin was proposition 1. Prop 1 would authorize the city of Austin to issue $90 million worth of bonds to fund road and sidewalk improvements, as well as bike lanes and trails. Prop 1 passed on Tuesday by a fairly significant margin, but was nevertheless a contentious issue in the days leading up to the election. Prop 1 will help clear up congestion at some major problem areas that commuters have to deal with on a daily basis. It will also allow the city to take advantage of recession prices, meaning the actual construction projects will be cheaper than they normally would be. Opponents, however, argue that the proposition doesn't do enough to relieve congestion and fix deteriorating roads. They also oppose the so-called "quality of life" projects lumped into the bill, such as improvements to the trail around Lady Bird Lake, and claim these plans should be included in a second, separate proposition. Additionally, opponents say that Austin should not be borrowing during a period of economic downturn, especially with Texas facing a record budget deficit. These are all good points, but I continue to support Prop 1 for several reasons. Interest rates are very low right now, and the city can probably borrow the requisite amount cheaply compared to historical levels, making now an advantageous time to borrow. The bill will also create at least 200 jobs over two-to-three years, which is especially important given the high rate of unemployment plaguing the nation. The proposition is thus a stimulant for an economy facing difficult times. Furthermore, the bill will result in an improvement to Austin's infrastructure, which will benefit everyone. While improving a trail and improving a road are very different projects, they both enhance the overall quality of life for the citizens of Austin. I voted in favor of the proposition on Tuesday, and was glad to see the bill passed; as citizens of Austin, we will all benefit from the passing of Prop 1.