Yes: Improving Atlanta’s traffic and broadening transit will bring better access to jobs.

Our great city is historically known for courage, inclusion and prosperity. It is time to earn these stripes in the present day.

We are passionate about our reputation — refusing to yield to another city or its potential. We fiercely believe innovation, intellect and integrity drive our initiatives. On Tuesday, we have the chance to prove it one more time.

Atlanta has long had visionary leadership and an equally insightful citizenry. Today is no different. Challenges are on the horizon due in large measure to unprecedented and unbridled growth. Large businesses and small entrepreneurial ventures alike have come to the land of relatively mild seasons, reasonably cheap real estate and competitive tax rates. Our blessings, including Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and our universities, are beginning to pale in comparison to our burdens of dangerous traffic congestion, diminished air quality and decreasing health status.

Many are stressed — chronically out of work and incapacitated by serial blows to the family. Our previous response to problems has typically included a willingness to work together to address the dragons of adversity, regardless of personal sacrifice. Today is a new opportunity; we must be willing to face our demons, relegating our fear of the imperfect to inconsequential status and exercising the faith of generations before us.

The Transportation Referendum is one sure way to relieve congestion in the region and help get folks back to work.

Those who complain we cannot afford a sales tax of even just a penny have forgotten history. Job creation is what helped get our country out of the Depression.

The 157 projects so desperately needed to ease Atlanta’s transportation issues have the added benefit of creating well-paying jobs at a time when Atlanta residents need them most.