Widespread support for Rainier connector

Readers in an online Argus-Courier poll were overwhelmingly in favor of building the Rainier crosstown connector.

About 84 percent said the city should build the long-planned extension of Rainier Avenue.

Here are some of the comments:

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“Absolutely! Without question. The sooner the better.”

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“All that is needed to fix the traffic are on and off ramps to Rainier and the outlet malls, like the ones at Yolunda Avenue in Santa Rosa. Washington Street traffic problem fixed at a fraction of the cost.”

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“Backwards city council full of people that aren’t from Petaluma will continue to fight against it.”

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“Yes, but the funds should come from State and Federal taxes. Petaluma should not have to fund the connector through additional taxes.”

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“Far too many years saying yes to this to only be denied each time. This is overdue to be built.”

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“Heck yes. I live in a west side location where I would use it all the time. Between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. crossing town is a nightmare! Why are we still talking about this?”

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“No! Go sit on the corner of Rainier and McDowell for eight hours and count cars vs. one hour on Corona and McDowell. Corona has 100 times more cars on an outdated over crossing that is two lanes and needs to be torn down and re-built to four lanes for traffic with the on-ramp there instead.”

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“How long is this going to drag out?”

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“I’ve lived here my whole life (50 years) and I can’t believe they still have to ask this question. It is very much needed!”

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“I have only voted for this twice. I have been waiting over 30 years for it to be built.”

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“In 2004, 72 percent of city voters said they backed a Rainier crosstown connector. Petaluma tax paying voters and current council majority are in favor of this project and it should be built and included in the Highway 101 widening.”

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“Is it really $100 million for less than a mile of road? That’s ridiculous. If it’s true, then it’s not worth it.”

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“It doesn’t matter what we think, our city never listens to us. How many polls have we taken on this issue?”

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“Only after those who want Rainier built can figure a way to pay for it. Get our share of the gas tax, and if that does not cover it, raise the gas tax.”

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“The majority vote has already approved this project to move forward. Please don’t let the vocal minority sway the decision.”

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“Don’t spend money on studies. Just build it.