A few weeks ago, addressing my Board colleagues, I noted it was highly unlikely I could support asking the voters in November of 2010 for additional tax support to complete the FasTracks program.  This was against my initial inclination, as I would prefer to get an early read from the public regarding their willingness to invest the resources to complete full build-out within the initial 2017 timeframe.  A win or loss at the ballot box would end the speculation and expedite planning for the agency’s future progress on FasTracks.

The way things are falling into place, though, it is clear that heading to the ballot box this year would severely handicap a favorable voter response.  It is unlikely that public confidence in the economy, a key success factor for votes on infrastructure initiatives, will turn around by the end of the year.  This also does not appear to be a good time to secure financial contributions toward another successful FasTracks campaign.  

In a signal that others recognize these same barriers, the Denver Post covered the comments of my fellow Board members regarding a potential 2010 election, http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14290768?IADID=Search-www.denverpost.com-www.denverpost.com, and followed-up with a editorial the next day, http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14306877?IADID=Search-www.denverpost.com-www.denverpost.com.

Delaying a future FasTracks vote likely will lead to increased costs for the program, as we will not be in a position to capitalize on the low construction rates available during this recessionary period.  Phil Washington also reports that there is a risk RTD will lose some of the talented staff it attracted due to the excitement of the FasTracks program.  These are all negative consequences of a delay in going to the voters, giving further weight to the gravity of this difficult decision.

The RTD Board is scheduled to make a formal decision regarding a 2010 vote in the next two months.  In the meantime, you can see the balance of issues at play and how I am leaning.  It would be great to hear your perspective on this matter as I move toward a final position.