NASHVILLE — A group opposing a transit improvement plan passed by Nashville voters earlier this month has filed suit seeking to overturn the results, arguing the plan includes projects not allowed under the state law governing the referendum.
The Nashville Tennessean reports that the lawsuit was filed Wednesday, Nov. 27, by members of the Committee to Stop an UnFair Tax. That group opposed the half-cent sales tax in Davidson County ticketed to improve bus service, roads, and sidewalks. Changes to the WeGo Star commuter rail service are a small part of the $3.1 billion Transit Improvement Program [see “Ballot measures with rail component pass,” Trains News Wire, Nov. 6, 2024]. Some 65.5% of voters favored the plan.
The group’s lawsuit says the measure is “proposing the illegal use of tax dollars for sidewalks, streets and housing and similar projects unrelated to a ‘Public Transit System.’” The city’s law director, Wally Dietz, said in a statement to the Tennessean that the referendum fully complies with state law, and that the suit “is a nuisance and a case of legal sour grapes by repeating arguments raised and rejected by the voters.”
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, a defendant in the suit, said the plan was “fully vetted by attorneys, accountants, the Metro Council, and ultimately the people of Nashville.” He said the city would move ahead with the plan.
OK… so the referendum includes “proposing the illegal use of tax dollars for sidewalks, streets and housing and similar projects unrelated to a ‘Public Transit System.’” Since when does any rational person expect any government anywhere -at least in the U.S.- to obey the law? I don’t!
Mr Jones, you nailed it! AutoCentric indeed! Their “committee” probably consists of real estate & road interests all common folk of course!
When is this 1/2 cent sales tax supposed to start? Does it have a stop date or a time in effect date? So, if this lawsuit delays it beyond the start date what are the consequences? Another lawsuit that it did not start in a timely manner? Are these law suiters in anyway auto centric?
Classic narcissist “If I don’t use it you don’t need it” example!
Simplistic answer, Galen. Voters would have to analyze what’s proposed at what cost. I’m familiar enough with Metro Nashville Davidson to question whether or not anyone has any idea what to do with that disastrous infrastructure. All i can say as I hope to live out my years without ever again having to visit.
“The voters have spoken in a landslide so let it go.”
Your comment reminds me of my early years with my folks in NJ, where people would vote “NO!” on endless school spending initiatives, only to have the teachers’ union activists and related bureaucrats take the matter to Trenton to somehow have the public spending matter referendum results overturned. Today, the PR of NJ has the highest property taxes in the nation, forcing retired people to sell their homes.
Likewise Virginia. At least Fairfax County
Lawsuit???? The voters have spoken in a landslide so let it go.
To me, the ballot issue seems being content free – a lot of voters checked “yes” on a rather vague concept. But that’s their privilege.