Poll: No sales tax for Highway 101 widening

Respondents in an online Argus-Courier poll said that would not vote to extend the Measure M countywide sales tax, even if it included funding to widen Highway 101 through Petaluma. Transportation officials see an extension of Measure M as the best chance to finish the highway widening project and secure funding for local road repairs.

Here are some comments:

“Absolutely, we have to fix 101. The stupid train money would get us six lanes, but that train has left the station so to speak.”

“Enough taxes. Use what is given on priorities not pet projects.”

“It seems like we’ve already approved funding to widen Highway 101 through Petaluma. Why would we approve a widening project that did not include finishing the work?”

“No way am I voting for more taxes of any kind.”

“The widening of Highway 101 through Petaluma is a must do. It should be done sooner rather than later. And it should include the addition of the Rainier crosstown connector. We absolutely need the traffic relief.”

“We already pay enough gas taxes. Haven’t the politicians heard the public’s voice yet? We can say no just so many times to these taxes.”

“Yes, but only if the extended sales tax is earmarked specifically for the widening all the way through Petaluma. If it’s a discretionary funding that could be used for other transportation projects, then nothing will change.”