"I believe the FasTracks transit plan is vital for the futureand economic prosperity of the Denver Metropolitan area," Stevinsonsays. "Among other benefits it will bring new vitality to many ofour older communities especially in those areas that don'tcurrently have rapid transit lines. The key is mobility for ourcitizens. The increased mobility provided by FasTracks will levelthe playing field throughout the Denver Metro area. In JeffersonCounty, for example, FasTracks will provide alternativetransportation that will enable its citizens to reach Downtown, theSoutheast suburbs, DIA and Boulder quickly and efficiently.FasTracks will enable Jeffco residents to take advantage ofemployment opportunities throughout the greater Denver Metropolitanarea by driving only a short distance and then utilizing rapidtransit."

Stevinson says politicians and business people need toacknowledge rapid transit is a "major selling point in attractingbusiness to locate in Jefferson County, for example. This meansthat our home values will remain high because Jeffco will remain adesirable place to live no matter where you work."

While $4.7 billion is a lot of money, "Its cost is insignificantcompared to its broad economic benefits," Stevinson says. "Now isthe time for us all to pull together and make it a reality. In thepast we've voted to designate revenues to support open space whichhas added immensely to our quality of life, now we need to make anequally bold decision and support FasTracks."