Let's Move Forward with TRAX

The following is an open letter of support for City Council Candidates supporting the Draper TRAX line:

Friends and Neighbors:

This Tuesday the field of thirteen candidates vying for three open seats on the Draper City Council will be narrowed to six. One of the most pivotal issues in this election is the approach our city will take with regard to the intended project to extend TRAX into Draper.

Last year our City Council expressed its concurrence with UTA’s conclusion that the existing rail right-of-way is the only viable option for bringing light rail transit into our community. Despite taking this position there still remains much work to be done as the details of this project are developed in the coming months and years. It is imperative that we move beyond the argument of which route TRAX will take and turn our focus to more productive concerns.

We now need to begin to identify which measures we should be demanding from UTA to minimize the negative impacts of the TRAX line. There is only a narrow opportunity for us to provide this input and get the most for our community which will require the concerted effort of both Draper City and the general public.

Unfortunately we are still expending efforts to defend against litigation regarding the resolution passed last year which has proved to be an obstacle to moving forward with a more constructive discussion.

So during this campaign season I encourage you to research each candidate’s position with regard to TRAX and support those candidates who understand the great benefits that transit will bring to our community.

Let’s keep the Draper TRAX line moving forward and not take a step backward.

Jeff Stenquist
Draper City Council