Friends of Greenlight is releasing its first direct mail piece in the effort to “expand, redevelop and improve” transit services for all of Pinellas County.
The flyer — calling the Greenlight Pinellas initiative “a better tomorrow for the people who live here” — is scheduled to be mailed out around the county starting this week.
An independent political committee, Friends of Greenlight supports the information campaign for the countywide transit overhaul plan proposed by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.
On November 4, Pinellas voters will decide on an essential condition of the Greenlight initiative, the one-cent sales tax increase, from seven to eight percent, to replace the current ad valorem property transit tax.
If approved, the PSTA will use the additional $130 million to expand bus service to grow nearly 65 percent and develop a light-rail corridor between St. Petersburg and Clearwater beach.
The direct mailer focuses on four points of the Greenlight proposal supporters will focus on through Election Day:
Dramatic Bus Improvements
Greenlight seeks to improve bus systems by increasing frequency and options for bus riders. Part of the expansion will include employment centers, the Tampa Airport and Trolley services.
Fairly Funded
The plan is to eliminate the current PSTA property transit tax used, replacing it with a one-cent increase in the county sales tax. The mailer points out that it is a fair, consumption-based approach for all consumers in Pinellas County, including tourists.
Jobs & Opportunity
As a “truly modern transportation system,” the plan would bring thousands of jobs and business opportunity to the community through “increased revitalization and redevelopment.”
Passenger Rail
The most disputed part of Greenlight Pinellas is the proposed 24 miles of light rail, which will include stops in the North St. Petersburg Gateway area. According to the flyer, “passenger rail will be the modern transportation” Pinellas County needs to thrive.
