tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621691715090523319.post2939280686351678093..comments2023-10-08T04:12:46.273-05:00Comments on The Political Environment: Public Policy Forum Poll Shows Milwaukee County Support For Streetcars; Wider Approval For Some Transportation Tax IncreasesJames Rowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203270946492159686noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621691715090523319.post-47042736496537405082010-07-01T08:58:23.176-05:002010-07-01T08:58:23.176-05:00As Mark Twain so accurately stated “Figures don’t ...As Mark Twain so accurately stated “Figures don’t lie, but liars figure” and as often the case polls by their structure and the interpretation of the response are used to do just that.<br /><br />After reviewing the detailed poll questions and answers, the reason the $0.1 increase in the gas tax (from question #12 and shown in chart #10) was the most popular is that it is the least onerous response. The question is biased in and of itself by presuming a gas tax increase is required and not giving the option of a response of no gas tax increase needed.<br /><br />Then that answer from question #12 is improperly matched up with question #13 and its responses, making it look like the overwhelmingly popular response to question #13 and as represented in chart #8.<br /><br />Finally regarding your spin regarding the results of the question 16e, <i>“The current transportation system in southeast Wisconsin is preventing the region’s economy from growing”</i>. That 70% of the people responded indicating disagreement means they believe the <b>current</b> transportation system is ok as is. <br /><br />You know the one based on roadways, cars, trucks, buses, etc. - your KRM, downtown streetcar, car speed train to Madison projects are <b>not</b>, repeat <b>not</b>, part of the current transportation system <br /><br />In other words 70% of the people see no need for your various rail boondoggles.Anon Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08104701158693144160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621691715090523319.post-38905362957294145472010-06-30T18:53:58.813-05:002010-06-30T18:53:58.813-05:00Of course, you are free to read the entire poll.Of course, you are free to read the entire poll.James Rowenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10203270946492159686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621691715090523319.post-76057462339447414812010-06-30T15:51:39.138-05:002010-06-30T15:51:39.138-05:00James - in regards to the 60% support for the $.01...James - in regards to the 60% support for the $.01/gal increase funding option, was there an option of no additional funding needed?<br /><br />Looking at the options listed in Table 9, the $.01/gal increase appears to be the least objectionable and may explain its popularity.<br /><br />In addition where is the funding option of “Return the $1.2 Billion Jim Doyle stole from the transportation fund”? <br /><br />As far as the $0.5 increase in Milwaukee County’s sales goes, why wouldn’t your average citizen living in the surrounding counties be all for it – considering I, like many, spend as little as possible of my hard earned money in Milwaukee County heck raise your sales tax to 20% for all I care.<br /><br />That just means more people will flee Milwaukee to spend money in our counties.<br /><br />By the way you neglected to mention that a majority of the respondents are against the KRM, against the Chicago-Milwaukee-Madison car speed train, and are in favor of Wisconsin adopting immigrations laws similar to Arizona’s.Anon Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08104701158693144160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621691715090523319.post-34118879454375394292010-06-30T11:51:47.680-05:002010-06-30T11:51:47.680-05:00Well, enoughalready, let me clarify what I meant.
...Well, enoughalready, let me clarify what I meant.<br /><br />As you put it, I agree. <br /><br />Where I was coming from? The constant refrain around here that our highway system needs rebuilding because it does not have a footprint wide enough for commerce and commuters.James Rowenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10203270946492159686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621691715090523319.post-82410779901678139392010-06-30T10:57:54.561-05:002010-06-30T10:57:54.561-05:00WUWM's "Lake Effect" had a good segm...WUWM's "Lake Effect" had a good segment on this yesterday. But James, why would you find reassuring the fact that only 30% believe transportation issues are holding back the growth of the region? Realistically, shouldn't that number be much higher? Isn't the growth and development angle the one we need to sell to make transit successful? It worked in Charlotte.enoughalreadynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621691715090523319.post-77061171167683875792010-06-30T01:07:13.079-05:002010-06-30T01:07:13.079-05:00Heartening news which all new urbanists and enviro...Heartening news which all new urbanists and environmentalists should applaud. Thanks for bringing the good news to your blog readers, those readers who have made your blog the number one, most read blog in the state!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com