A clash over an election for the Valley’s $15.8 billion transportation plan is expected to shake out today at the Legislature, where opposing sides are likely to approve painful concessions that each had declared non-negotiable.

Little more than a tax dodge, the product of a loophole in state law that the Legislature has now closed, north Scottsdale’s Christopher Verde school district can go out of existence with Gov. Janet Napolitano’s signature.

The majority of the debates were over and the start of early voting was set to begin in a little more than a week.

Decision-makers have known for months the bad economy has gutted Proposition 400, the 20-year half-cent transportation sales tax passed by Maricopa County voters in 2004. And now the bill has come due.

Transportation in America was once an engine of progress and an inspiration for the future. Railroads opened the West and automobiles brought new mobility for a footloose nation after World War II.

WASHINGTON - Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, who helped rebuild confidence in U.S. airports and flying after the Sept. 11 attacks, said Friday he's leaving the Bush administration.

September 9, 2004

Crushing gridlock. Taxpayer boondoggle.

Ten years after a meeting between county, state and intra-governmental agencies set the tone for state spending in transportation, Casa Grande plays host to what has become the Rural Transportation Summit.

The nation's chief transportation official said Wednesday foes of the pilot program to let Mexican trucks drive anywhere in this country are providing misinformation about its effects on security and safety.

Regional leaders will ask the public what mix of freeways, buses, trains and more should be part of a proposal to extend the half-cent sales tax for transportation.

Three paths emerged for the Valley’s $15.8 billion transportation plan at the Legislature, where lawmakers on Wednesday unveiled a trio of competing bills on how to deal with the lightning rod issue of light rail.

The Legislature has approved the process for creating a 20-year transportation plan for Maricopa County before voters are asked next year to continue a half-cent sales tax.

The House of Representatives gave overwhelming approval Monday for a November election on $15.8 billion worth of Valley transportation projects.

Trouble emerged Tuesday for the Valley’s regional transportation tax, as a legislative committee approved two opposing bills to send the measure to voters.

Efforts to extend Maricopa County's half-cent sales tax for transportation appeared on the brink of collapse Monday night as a handful of Republican senators continued to block the leading plan backed by Valley mayors.

Given the $15.8 billion pricetag, differences in local priorities and strong opinions about light rail, it’s not surprising that legislators are indulging in a bit of brinkmanship over the Valley’s proposed 20-year transportation package.

A representative from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce told a group of Chandler business people Wednesday that there finally seems to be some traction in Congress to approve new legislation to finance highways.

Lawmakers made it official Tuesday: Voters will get one ballot question in November to decide the fate of a $15.7 billion transportation plan, including light rail, for the Valley.

To say the least, some tough challenges await when you form a school district that has no school buildings and exists only to arrange transporting its students to classes in nearby districts.

Although we've criticized Congressman Jeff Flake for not working hard enough for Arizona and his East Valley district, he is absolutely right about the irresponsible overuse of appropriations “earmarks” that are pushing federal spending out of control.

Livid after Gov. Napolitano vetoed a sensible and balanced unemployment insurance bill on which lawmakers had labored for months, state Sen. Carolyn Allen, R-Scottsdale, is regrouping for battle. She's come up with what could be a winning strategy.

Rick and Rebecca Smith may be close to finding solace following the traffic death of their grown son.

Rick and Rebecca Smith may be close to finding solace following the traffic death of their grown son.