By Dan Verbeck
Kansas City, MO. – Jackson County's Executive is calling for an end to infighting over mass transit in the Kansas City region. Results of a two million dollar federally funded analysis are expected the middle of next year. The project is being termed a "once in a lifetime opportunity."
County Executive Mike Sanders uses the phrase to emphasize regional mass transit as a way of transforming the community. It was the highlight of his 'state of the county' address.
Sanders says regional transit can do for the community what the Federal Highway System did in the 1950's.
The County Executive initially broke ground away from light rail as the chief concept being debated with his preferred plan to use existing rail lines and existing equipment.
Sanders calls regional transit essential to competing in the 21st century global economy. In his words, "The next generation will not only be competing against the Chicago's and the Boston's and Indianapolis and Seattle. But we need to begin to provide them generationally to compete with Paris, Shanghai, Dubai and London. We have no choice."
Addressing Jackson County at-large in his "state of county" address, Sanders presented a balanced budget that includes a 3 percent raise for the county employee merit-pool. But he says property reassessment is two thirds finished and some values are dramatically lower.