Keep Ypsi Rollin’ has learned that, due to a technical error, the August 3 vote on the Charter Amendment for Public Transit will not be counted. The following press release has been provided to local media outlets:
Ypsilanti voters will have two chances this year to demonstrate their support for public transit as a critical service to the city. Keep Ypsi Rollin’ has learned that the “Charter Amendment for Public Transit” appearing on the City’s August 3rd primary ballot will not count due to a technicality, and will reappear on the ballot on November 2, 2010.
Under State law, a charter amendment may not be decided on a primary election ballot. Since the City of Ypsilanti’s ballots for the August primary have already been printed including the Charter Amendment for Public Transit, voters will see the measure on August 3, but the vote will not count. The measure will reappear on the November general election ballot for an actual decision.
Keep Ypsi Rollin’ encourages all supporters of public transit to vote YES in both August and November.
“Ypsilanti understands the importance of public transit,” said Richard Murphy of Keep Ypsi Rollin’. “We are disappointed that the August vote will not count, but we see this as an opportunity to let even more people know that they have the chance to support transit service.”
The Charter Amendment would provide secure, dedicated funding for the City of Ypsilanti’s contract for bus service via AATA. This service has been threatened by budget cuts over the past several years, and City and AATA officials have indicated that a “no” vote on this Charter Amendment would probably result in drastic cuts or complete elimination of Ypsilanti’s bus service. Over 600,000 riders board AATA buses every year in the City of Ypsilanti, using The Ride to get to work or school, to get to the doctor, or to buy groceries. Losing bus service would strand these riders, hurting Ypsilanti’s tax base and local economy.
The Ypsilanti City Council has expressed its support of the Charter Amendment. Mayor Paul Schreiber says, “Between now and November let’s get the message out: The transportation charter amendment will ensure AATA bus service in Ypsilanti and provide a foundation to improve bus and rail transportation throughout Washtenaw County. Vote for the transportation amendment on August 3 and November 2!”
Keep Ypsi Rollin’ (KYR) is a ballot question committee formed to pass this important measure. KYR will hold events, educate voters and raise funds for the purpose of helping Ypsilanti protect long term public transit for its citizens, businesses and future!
AnnArbor.com has covered this issue in the article, Ypsilanti transportation millage won’t be decided in August.