The strongest argument for supporting a regional transportation referendum is job creation.
There are companies and individuals across this region waiting to get to work. Repairing our infrastructure, renovating our road systems and building new rail lines will put our residents back to work and, at the same time, increase workers’ access to businesses.
We have a proud regional history of making bold investments in world-class transportation systems, and one only has to think of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to know how powerfully bold investments can pay off.
But world-class transportation cannot just be part of our history; it must be part of who we will become. Metro Atlanta is being outpaced by North Carolina, Florida, Texas and Virginia with their future-looking transportation plans. We cannot stand by as thousands of unemployed Georgians watch in frustration as businesses choose to locate in other states.
Our citizens have said they want transportation projects that are fairly selected and well-distributed around our region. They want transportation programs that are accountable and well-run. They understand that the right balance of roads, transit, new projects and maintenance are all part of a healthy mix that will relieve traffic congestion and advance our region.
The 21-member regional roundtable of county commission chairs and mayors is a never-before-tried model that combines unprecedented outreach to citizens with a transparent project vetting process. It is that combination of input and honest discussion about priority setting that will make a regional transportation program work. I applaud the work of the roundtable for taking bold action to create a draft transportation project list that is regional, multimodal, forward-looking and developed with much public input.
And while job creation and job retention are primary to the proposed transportation initiative, our citizens know that making sure people can get home for dinner, get to their place of worship or get to a soccer game is also of utmost importance. Time stuck in traffic is time lost forever. Memories aren’t made on highways; they are made at home. Residents are smart about these things.
For years, my career has allowed me to share in the joy of providing Georgians a place to call home — a place to take advantage of all this region has to offer and return to after a long day’s work.
Our company has benefited greatly from the growth and dynamism of metro Atlanta. Lately, our economy has been tested in ways we never could have imagined. Since we have shared in the fruits of the region, we also know that we have a shared responsibility to be part of ensuring its ongoing prosperity.
It is true in business and in life that a sound investment provides a sound return. Investing in our region’s future is not only wise, but will be what sets us apart from the pack and will spur the recovery our region so desperately needs.
David P. Stockert is president and CEO of Post Properties.
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