Each week Gwinnett Opinions asks readers to comment on a topic in the news

Background: Gwinnett voters on Tuesday split among party lines in a non-binding straw poll to gauge support for MARTA rail in Gwinnett. ("MARTA IN GWINNETT: 2 tacks taken on vote results," AJC Metro News, July 17).

Republican voters rejected the idea, 63 percent against to 37 percent in favor. But Democratic voters lent their support to the idea nearly 70 percent to 30 percent, according to unofficial results.

If you combine the two party polls, opponents had a slight edge —- 53 percent against to 47 percent who supported MARTA in Gwinnett.

Some county leaders, such as Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charles Bannister, declared the narrow loss signaled "once and for all" that Gwinnett residents don't want MARTA. But he didn't necessarily mean they don't want rail-based transit operated by another agency or provider.

If you voted no on Tuesday, would you support rail in Gwinnett if it did not involve MARTA? If you voted yes on Tuesday, would you still vote yes if a rail system did not involve MARTA? Please explain, and include your political affiliation.

Please send comments to Gwinnett Opinions Editor Carla Caldwell at ccaldwell@ajc.com.