Women Voters' Unit Backs Tax, Bond Plans

The League of Women Voters of Ann Arbor favors passage of both Proposál A and Proposal B in the April 2 city election. Proposal A would amend the City Charter to require that the city levy an annual tax of 2.5 milis to finance the operating and equipping of a public transportation system. Proposal B would authorize a bond issue of $1,790,000 to finance bridge repairs, safety walkways, a network of bicycle lanes, and curb cuts j and ramps for the handicapped. For 25 years the Arm Arbor League of Women Voters has been concerned with problems of urban planning in this city. During this time the organization has evolved a set of criteria for general development policies which state in part: "Circulation planning is vital to allow easy movement and prevent urban blight." Specifically the league position states: -Expansión of the road system should be minimized. - An integrated plan for pedestrian bicycle, automobüe and public transportation should be developed. - Imaginative and innovative approaches to mass transit should be encouraged. In addition, the League says its studies on environmental quality arid human resources lend further weight to endorsement of these proposals. "We believe that the quality of our environment can be improved by reduction of noise and air pollution, and this could be achieved by encouraging and assisting a wider range of transportation alternatives. Also, an improved transportation system will give greater mobility to all residents of Ann Arbor. "We realize that these improvements would require an inerease in local taxes at a time when there are many demands on the taxpayer. However, we feel that the long-range benefits to all sectors of the Ann Arbor community warrant citizen support of these proposals.