Groups around the region continue to debate what the next paired down Sound Transit tax proposal should look like. I recently made the case that an intra-city Tacoma LINK streetcar extension, combined with expanded Sounder service, is the South Sounds' best bet in the next ST package. The TNT editorial board blasted the proposal put forth by Tacoma Streetcar, and supported by many of Tacoma's neighborhood councils. On the other hand, Dan Voepel of the TNT came out swinging in favor of Tacoma Streetcars. The Seattle Transit blog finally came around to the conclusion that if the South Sound wants a LINK streetcar expansion in ST 2, we should get it. While transit geeks, lovers, and haters all debate what the next package should or should not do, we all await official word from the Sound Transit Board as to whether or not they will go on the ballot this year.

Here is the latest update from Sound Transit via their weekly CEO corner:

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Headling: Sound Transit Board continues discussing possible future expansion
The Sound Transit Board on Thursday discussed a draft package of potential transit improvements for the region, based on a 0.4 percent sales tax increase and a 2020 completion timeframe.
That scenario would bring ST Express bus service improvements throughout the region, more Sounder trains and service in the south line between Tacoma and Seattle and light rail extensions to Northgate, Bellevue and south to South 200th Street...
The Board will continue discussing the draft plan at its April 3 Executive Committee meeting and a draft plan could be adopted at the April 10 Board meeting.
Adopting the draft plan would allow staff to continue providing more technical work and give the public a chance to review and comment. It would also provide time between April and June to evaluate the draft plan performance, brief stakeholders and provide a benefit cost analysis, along with Expert Review Panel briefings and review and a Puget Sound Regional Council conformity review. Adopting the draft plan also keeps open the Board’s option to go out for a vote this November.
The Board would not have to make a final decision to go out for a vote in 2008 until late July.
For the latest information on the planning process, check out our Sound Transit system expansion Web site.

- The .4 sales tax increase is expectedly much less than the .8 that they asked for last year.
- There is no mention of a LINK expansion, although last I knew it is still on the table.
- There are sound arguments for going on the ballot this year and waiting until '09 or '10. In terms of our local representation on Sound Transit, John Ladenburg is skeptical about going to the ballot in 2008 while Julie Anderson supports it.
- 2008 is going to be a VERY busy election year. There may be statewide initiatives on the ballot that aim to dissolve Sound Transit as we know it. Not to mention very hot presidential, gubernatorial, and legislative races. There will be a strong progressive turnout, which makes 2008 a good year for Sound Transit. On the other hand, the lack of completed light rail and their uncertain future could make a tax increase a tough sell. Regardless, this one just keeps getting more interesting. Who ever thought moving people around could get so politically controversial?