William Barber II, a well-known civil rights activist, opposed Charlotte’s proposed one-cent road and transit tax on Sunday, arguing that it will harm low-income citizens who have already been badly impacted by previous hikes in property taxes.
Barber rose to fame last decade as the leader of Raleigh’s Moral Monday campaign following the Republican takeover of the state legislature. The tax has so far had widespread support from Mecklenburg County’s political, religious, and nonprofit leaders, but he is the most well-known figure to oppose it.
Barber gave a speech at Oaklawn Avenue’s First Baptist Church West.
Barber stated from the pulpit, “They say the bus will come a few minutes faster.” However, if the bus arrives sooner, you will have to pay extra in taxes and fees.
Additionally, he stated that although the bus may arrive sooner, it will simply transport you to a low-paying job since politicians will not stand up for your right to a livable income.
Over the next 30 years, Charlotte’s transportation and road plan would generate almost $25 billion. Roads would receive 40% of the funding, rail transportation would receive 40%, buses and new on-demand microtransit—think Uber—would receive 20%.
Buses on over a dozen of Charlotte’s busiest routes will now come every 15 minutes instead of every 20 minutes, as the city has promised. Low-income neighborhoods including Statesville Road, Beatties Ford Road, and South Tryon Street are traversed by such routes.
Barber’s statement that politicians do not fight for a decent wage is not quite apparent. However, the Service Employees International Union’s request to enhance the working conditions for contract workers at Charlotte Douglas Airport was rejected by Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles earlier this summer.
Barber added that low-income residents would be displaced as a result of the transportation plan. However, the city of Charlotte has stated that it has allocated funds for anti-displacement initiatives and would endeavor to guarantee the availability of affordable housing beside newly constructed rail lines.
Additionally, he stated that it is crucial that regular transit users participate on the governing body of the new transit authority that would be established in the event that the tax is approved. A commitment has been made by the Metropolitan Transit Commission to guarantee the appointment of some transit users.
Barber’s comments mirrored those of Charlotte activist Robert Dawkins of Action N.C. Dawkins is one of the few individuals opposed to the tax, along with former Mayor Jennifer Roberts and former City Council member Braxton Winston.
In order to persuade Mecklenburg County voters of the plan’s importance prior to the November referendum, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance is spearheading a $3 million campaign.
The tax will be on the ballot after an 8-1 vote by the Mecklenburg Commissioners on Wednesday. Supporters of the initiative crowded the Government Center for public remarks prior to the vote, many of them sporting white t-shirts that read “Yes For Meck.”
Many stated that although the plan isn’t ideal, the area needs a strategy to deal with its rapid expansion.
The region cannot wait, according to attorney Charles DeLoach, although the plan can be changed over time.
“This referendum is our chance to make a big leap for everyone,” said Tonya Jameson of the organization Leading on Opportunity. It’s daring, indeed. Indeed, lumps will form. However, we cannot afford to take no action.
The general sales tax in Mecklenburg County would rise by one percentage point, to 8.25%, if voters approved the proposal. According to the city of Charlotte, the typical household would spend $240 annually.
