Feb. 25. By Dave Vieser. The fact that NC Sen. Vicky Sawyer is one of the sponsors of the State Transportation Bill released earlier this week—which includes a mechanism for funding the Red Line—suggests that the Republican caucus in Raleigh felt strongly enough about the concept to give it a chance of succeeding.

Last fall, when the pieces of the bill were coming together, Sawyer, who is chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said the GOP caucus would be the first to review the proposal. Ultimately, however, it will be up to representatives in Raleigh, and possibly, the voters, and there’s no telling how they will feel as the details are flushed out.

For example, within two hours of the bill’s release on Monday, critics spoke out.

Not so fast

“Read the bill carefully before you consider voting for it,” said Brian Sisson, chair of the Lake Norman Chamber Board. “If Charlotte decides that the Red Line is not feasible, they can cancel at their discretion and utilize the funds as they see fit. Once again a no-win for North Mecklenburg and good money thrown after bad.”

BRIAN SISSON

Neither Sawyer nor Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam could be reached for comment.

However, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles strongly supports the bill which could give Mecklenburg County voters a chance to approve or disapprove a one cent sales tax increase.

Quotable

“We still have a lot of work to do, but having a bill filed is an important milestone—one that we have been working towards for years. I look forward to the work in front of us, with our partners, to deliver on a future that will make a difference for all of us because it will make a difference in the quality of life for our region.”

—Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles

Opposition gaining steam

Some well-known business and community leaders are expressing concern.

“If we do not understand all the Ts&Cs  [terms and conditions] in this contract LKN residents are likely to be gravely disappointed,” said Jeff Tarte, a former Cornelius mayor as well as NC Senator from Cornelius.

Jeff Tarte at a Newsmakers Breakfast

“Right now there is an embedded bait and switch going on,” he added.

“There are three dozen critical questions I have been asking that have never been answered. If answers will not be provided we should run from this initiative as fast as a diesel engine can take us,” Tarte said.