‘We don’t want another tax increase’: Group gives out free yard signs opposing Nashville transit plan

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — One group has organized against the Nashville mayor’s transit plan, offering free yard signs so that people could show their opposition.

If voters approve the plan in November, Nashville’s sales tax would increase to pay for it. The Committee to Stop an Unfair Tax is handing out more than 500 yard signs to bring attention to the vote.

“The core of this plan is laying the foundation for Nashville to have a transportation system that makes sense for the city,” Deputy Communications Director for the mayor’s office, Alex Apple, told News 2. “We’ve fallen behind. This enables the foundation for us to catch up.”

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The transit plan is said to cost $3.1 billion. According to the mayor’s office, a half-cent sales tax increase would cost the typical Nashville family about $70 more annually.

“Yard signs are just a great tool for allowing people who aren’t necessarily using social media or going to community meetings to express their concerns,” committee member Emily Evans said.

If passed, the plan would include sidewalk construction, smart signal installation, and 24-hour bus service. Evans added that residents don’t want another tax increase and that it’s important for residents to express themselves.

“I think when most people look at this plan, they will see that there is something in there that benefits them,” Apple explained. “I hope people take that information and have conversations with their friends and family and just share that there is a key vote for Nashville.”

Apple added that that this plan would also allow for the possibility of adding more street lighting and a police force for WeGo Transit.

The committee has said the plan is unsafe, unfair, and unnecessary. They also cited affordability concerns and crimes on public transit as reasons to vote against the plan. The committee rejects the argument that the plan would help with traffic congestion.

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“Sit down and think about how much you spend on groceries and how much you spend on other incidentals,” Evans said. “Tell me it’s only an average of $70 a year.”

“I think that we need other things need to come before public transportation,” Nashville resident Yvonne Evans said. “I think our schools our roads, even the prisons need to be taken care of before we start looking at transit tax.”

Voters will make the final decision in November. WeGo officials said that if voters approve the plan, riders will see an increase in bus service and frequency almost immediately.

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