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Today's special board meeting - only half an hour long - only really focused on one item: agenda item 8. If approved by the VTA Board today, authorizes General Manager Peter Cipolla and VTA Staff to utilize all resources possible to obtain a state judge's opinion to bond $375 million in 2000 Measure A money to prevent 21% service cuts in January 2004, as well as "interest payments" on the bond and for other capital projects.
At the start of discussion on the agenda item, VTA Board member Ron Gonzales - Mayor of San Jose - mentioned that buses and light rail are what the people needed, but wanted nothing to stand in the way of BART coming to San Jose.
Next, board member Dena Mossar - Mayor of Palo Alto - reminds the rest of the board and the audience (consisting mostly of VTA Staff members) that 2000 Measure A wasn't just for BART, but for projects such as Caltrain electrification. Board member Tom Springer - Mayor of Gilroy - chimes in, stating that 2000 Measure A also stood for more Caltrain service in the South County.
Board member Don Gage - a County Supervisor representing the South County - stated the need for funding for the county's buses and light rail.
According to what was observed, the VTA Board looked like it did not do any homework on what was being proposed. After more discussion amongst the board members, the agenda item passed unanimously. The next step is for staff to put together the appropriate legal paperwork and then reconvene the board, probably in late July if they can get enough board members together then. It is after the board approval at that time that the measure will then go to superior court for resolution.
That meeting, SCVTARU found out, will be on July 29.
The special board meeting ended around 12:30pm.
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