City promises to restore roads, trust with Prop 409

CREATED Nov. 19, 2012

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  • After seeing dollars dubbed for roadwork disappear in the past, residents say that trust needs to be earned. Video by kgun9.com

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Reporter: Maggie Vespa

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - It's a test of your trust.

And Tucson city officials say the pressure is on to get it right when it comes to repairing your roads, with your tax dollars.
 
Those of you we spoke with say you plan to hold the city to its promise under newly approved 'Proposition 409', especially in light of the bumpy budget road taxpayers have traveled in the past.
 
First impression?  It's a color coded mess, but Tucson city leaders say this is the solution to cleaning up our pothole problems. 
 
"The city of Tucson is going to earn the trust the people of Tucson have placed in it, to do this work as promised," said Mayor Jonathan Rothschild at a news conference Monday.
 
Under the narrowly approved 'Proposition 409', a property tax hike will provide the city with an extra $100 million over five years.
 
Work will begin in 2014, with crews tackling a new set of roads each year.  Roads in green are slated for 2014, those in blue for 2015, then yellow, red and finally those outlined in purple.
 
It will be a long road, that officials say will require patience and that key word: 'trust'.
 
"There is a new mayor.  There is a new manager," said Rothschild.  "There is a new attitude in city government."
 
But after seeing dollars dubbed for roadwork disappear in recent years, residents say trust needs to be earned.
 
"(How much do you think people will be watching how this plays out?)  Well, it's our money right?  So, if they voted, and even those that didn't, should be paying pretty close attention," said motorist Mike Furr.
 
As for the plan, some agree with the list of targets.
 
"Grant's probably the worst in my opinion, and then Alvernon going north and south," said Rudy Acosta.
 
"The Grant area is really congested, and the roads are really horrible around the Oracle area," said Gabriel Aguilar.
 
But others say it, like the roads, has some holes.
 
"Like the East Broadway portion, the Pantano to Speedway portion, um Country Club is a little rough in some areas, too," said Furr.
 
Either way, they say it's about time the city hit the streets.
 
"They used to have nice roads," said Acosta.  "You know, as a cyclist I love this town, but it just kind of makes me... I'm looking for better roads now."
 
We know many of you want to make sure this work is done right, and officials are giving the public the chance to take part, via a Citizen Bond Oversight Commission.
 
To apply to be a part of that committee, simply send in your resume and cover letter to the Tucson City Clerk's office.