-----Steven L. VanAusdle, President, Walla Walla Community College
"As both a provider of services to Walla Walla Valley residents and a Valley Transit rider, I appreciate your efforts to save the transit system in Walla Walla. Our clinic endorses this campaign. All the best."
-----Brian E. R. Anderson, Administrator, Adventist Health/Medical Group
"As I consider my blessings at the beginning of a new year, I realize that one of the greatest is living in a community where people really care about each other and work together to solve our problems. An essential service locally is our public transportation system, which is facing disastrous cuts. This is a problem we can solve right here--no act of Congress required. A 'yes' vote will allow us to preserve all existing transit services. I urge you to recognize how important our trolleys, buses and Dial-A-Ride are to our community and local economy, and to so many of us who live here."
-----Jack Barga, retired physician
"All of us at the Senior Center know how vitally important Valley Transit is to our clients and their families...Opportunities for socializing, exercising, WWCC classes and other activities allow people to stay in their homes, enjoy nutritious hot meals each day and participate in the wide range of activities we provide. We are all growing older and may find ourselves unable to drive some day. We need to maintain the current level of transit service or a lot of people won't be able to get here, or to the other places they need to go every day."
-----Mike Johnson, Executive Director, Walla Walla Senior Center
"You may think you don't need Valley Transit, but many, like me, are very glad it's there for us when we need it. Last winter, I had wrist surgery and was unable to drive for two months. Valley Transit got me to my job every day. The chances are good that you or a family member may also need Valley Transit at some point. Surely it's worth three cents more sales tax on a $10 purchase (groceries and medicines excluded) to keep Valley Transit services from being slashed. Our community depends on everyone staying connected."
-----Beth Call, Third Grade Teacher, Assumption School
"My relationship with Valley Transit began 15 years ago. The disease that confined me to a wheelchair also took away my driver's license. Fortunately for me the circulator in College Place goes right by my house. Unfortunately, if the February referendum fails to pass, that route will cease to exist. While our community of riders may be diverse, from students to veterans like myself with appointments at the VA medical center to families with a limited income, we have one thing in common. We rely on Valley Transit for our transportation needs. "
-----Buddy Georgia, Retired Veteran
"Lately, my daughter and her friends used Valley Transit extensively to travel to Wa-Hi, the community college and in my daughter's case, to her job at Kmart. What I never realized is that VT is considered to be one of the most efficient public transit systems in the state. Or that we in the Walla Walla Valley have only been paying half as much to support it as citizens in the rest of the state pay through modest sales taxes. The tax we're voting on amounts to three cents for a $10 purchase. It is not collected on food, medicine, mortgage payments or rent. Two-thirds or more of life's necessities are excused from its collection in Washington state. The difficult economy and the reduction in support from other sources make it imperative that we vote yes to continue Valley Transit service."
-----Charles Potts, Palouse Management
"The IMPACT! program at WWCC assists over 100 people each year by providing resources, referrals and classes to people who have employment barriers. Valley Transit makes it possible for IMPACT! participants to attend classes, follow up on job-related tasks and conduct personal errands. Without the services of Valley Transit, IMPACT! clientele would not be able to change their lives for the better, which has the potential to positively impact our local economy."
-----Deana York, Coordinator, IMPACT! Life Transitions Program
"We need Valley Transit for seniors, the disabled and students. Valley Transit also eases the need for more parking downtown. I'm not fond of raising taxes but Valley Transit is needed in the Walla Walla area. I'm going to vote yes. It is only 3 cents on a $10 purchase, a very small amount to save the Valley Transit system."
-----Vic Phillips
"I have lived in several towns the size of Walla Walla. What I've enjoyed about each place is the commitment to the well being of community members by people in town. Healthy, vibrant towns provide viable services to meet the needs of their residents. These options include a comprehensive bus system. Transit takes many people to work and kids to school and activities. Often our elderly and disabled residents depend on the bus system to get around town. All of us need the transit system no matter how much we use it because it builds the health of our community overall. Please vote yes for transit on Feb. 9."
-----Karen Kirkwood
"My husband and I depend solely on Dial-A-Ride for transportation to keep our medical appointments. I am legally blind and my husband is visually impaired hence we can no longer drive. I am active in the United Blind of Walla Walla organization, and I am aware of other people who also depend on public transportation. I hate to see the drivers for Valley Transit lose their jobs for a mere 3 cents per $10 purchase. This is a very small price to pay to keep public transportation running. Please vote yes on Feb. 9."
-----Shirley J. Musick
"When I moved to Walla Walla five years ago, I did not have my driver's license. Without the option of Valley Transit, I would not have been able to attend classes at Walla Walla Community College or meet other responsibilities. I have made many "bus friends" during my daily travels. Although I have had my driver's license for three years now, I still ride the bus as much as possible. I meet many people, save my money and the environment, as well as getting around town -- all at the same time. I urge everyone to vote "yes" for Valley Transit on Feb. 9."
-----Sarah Putnam
"My other car is a little red trolley. Three years ago, having automobile problems, I researched the Valley Transit system and found out how convenient it was. I then parked my car. I have met a lot of people using this system with a variety of needs. Some are students of all ages, people going to and from their jobs, going to medical appointments. In the winter and when roads get bad or icy, I appreciate jumping on a bus that is warm and has clear windows with safe and very friendly drivers. This is a local community service that is important for many. Even if you don't use it yourself, it is needed for many others in Walla Walla. Please vote yes on Feb. 9 to save this service."
-----Ronald Nolte
"A well-functioning public transportation system is necessary to keep Walla Walla a healthy, safe, thriving community. I encourage area residents, even if you have never once taken the bus, to recognize the overall importance of a high-level public transportation system to our community -- and possibly to ourselves personally one day. (Accidents and illness happen to us all.) Please vote for the upcoming ballot measure to keep a much-needed bus system in place."
-----Noah Leavitt
"In the last several weeks, my husband, Rich, and I had a wake-up call when we suddenly weren't sure that he would be able to continue to drive. Luckily his surgery was successful and he will recover completely. However, due to this experience we are now very aware that any one of us might suddenly need to use our transit system on a regular basis. Please join us in voting yes to allow Valley Transit services to continue at their current level."
-----Riett Brown Jacks
"My mother had hip replacement surgery. During her recovery she used Dial-A-Ride to get to doctor appointments, grocery shopping and the hair dresser. Her experience with Dial-A-Ride made her second hip surgery less worrisome. She knew she could count on Dial-A-Ride to get her through her recovery once again. Rather than climbing in and out of a car or pick up she was able to board the Dial-A-Ride van via the wheelchair lift. The service that Valley Transit provided was wonderful. This is just one example of the need to save Valley Transit. My grandfather rode the bus daily to see friends and run errands. Please vote yes to save our buses and keep our community strong."
-----Georgie Brotherton
"I am an adult basic education and GED instructor at Walla Walla Community College, and most of my students ride the bus to get to school. Many of my students have expressed concern that if the Valley Transit system should be reduced or cease to exist, they would not be able to continue their education. They have stressed to me how important the system is to them, and how much they depend on it to get to school, to work and back home again. I cannot imagine a town of our size without a public transportation system. Please vote in support of keeping our transportation system alive and well."
-----Terri Trick
"When our family headed to Whistler for skiing in 2004, I had no idea how much our vacation would change my life. Subsequent to a traumatic brain injury suffered skiing at Whistler, I have become much more appreciative of Valley Transit’s importance. Because of the nature of my personal situation I became acquainted with Valley Transit’s Dial-A-Ride, mainly to go to the hospital to therapy sessions. As my recovery progressed I used Job Access to work at Whitman College for Bon Appetit. Later I used the same Job Access service to return to my own business and work in a reduced capacity. As I still do not have a driver’s license, I continue using Valley Transit, or catching rides with friends and employees, or heaven forbid, hitchhiking to make my way around our town. For non-work travel I expect to continue my use of public transportation, and support efforts like the current one to retain or even increase its level of services."
-----John Heard
"Voting yes on Proposition 1 Feb. 9 is so much more than simply supporting Valley Transit bus services. Voting yes is a vote to support our local disabled and senior citizens who depend on Valley Transit’s Dial-A-Ride service. Voting yes is a vote to support local businesses that count on employees and customers who rely on Valley Transit. Voting yes is a vote to support myriad Wa-Hi students to and from school. Voting yes is a vote to support countless Walla Walla Community College students for whom Valley Transit is the only means of transportation as they access higher education in order to improve their future career prospects. Let me assure you that I deposit all of my pennies in the "take/give a penny" trays next to cash registers, and I invite you to use my pennies — one, two, three — instead of your own for every $10 you spend. Join me in voting Yes for Valley Transit."
-----Susan Palmer
"I, personally, don’t ride the bus that much at present but made sure to move where I could catch a bus whenever I do need one. It certainly is good to ride the bus in the winter even now. I invite all of us who care about the quality of life in Walla Walla to vote in favor of our transit system."
-----Dorothy Knudson
"Throughout my public life I have been vocal and passionate about numerous issues facing our community. There has never been an issue more important to me personally and a host of other individuals in our community than Proposition 1 on the Feb. 9 ballot. This is not a political issue, but a community issue. In October 2005, I was diagnosed with shingles in my right eye resulting in my decision to quit driving in July 2008. Since I quit driving, I have managed to maintain some of my independence by walking and having the option of taking Valley Transit, Dial-A-Ride and on Saturdays the Connector van. People experience many different medical conditions that render them unable to drive. Many employees ride the bus to work, and businesses are also supported by individuals who ride Valley Transit. Many students use Valley Transit to attend classes at our local colleges. Without Valley Transit, W.W. Public School District may need additional funding for buses and drivers. An individual’s independence is the last thing one would want to lose. Many of us have taken our ability to drive for granted; however, if you one day find yourself unable to drive, believe me, you will be glad to have the option of taking Valley Transit. Let your conscience guide your vote on Proposition 1."
-----Pam Ray, former County Commissioner
"I am joined by my fellow college presidents -- John McVay of Walla Walla University and Steve VanAusdle of Walla Walla Community College. On Feb. 9, Walla Walla voters will decide the future of Valley Transit. To us, it represents a profoundly important referendum that directly affects the economy and welfare of our community. A vote to approve the Valley Transit initiative is a vote to preserve access to jobs for our workers, access to services for our seniors, access to schools and churches for our families, and finally, access to Walla Walla's many business and agencies for community members and visitors. A reduction of its services will have a deep and chilling effect on business, education and overall quality of life in Walla Walla. In these difficult economic times, severing Valley Transit's lifeline would hurt almost everyone in Walla Walla. Together with the leaders of more than 80 local businesses and organizations, we urge you to support the Feb. 9 initiative and maintain the current level of excellent service Valley Transit provides."
-----George Bridges, Whitman College
"As the executive director of Helpline, a local emergency social services agency, I see the constant need for regular and reliable public transportation for our citizenry. The working poor, the disabled and the homeless especially rely upon Valley Transit for access to medical and social services along with employment and educational opportunities. Our social issues would grow more acute without the vital service provided by our local bus system. Without it, the burden upon family and friends, if those supports were even available, would be strained and may even increase their own need for social services, further burdening our safety nets. Through a recent grant, Helpline is able to help more of our most needy citizens with transportation through Valley Transit. It would be a shame if Valley Transit reduced or eliminated its services just at a time when we can begin utilizing them to an even greater extent."
Vote Yes on Feb. 9!"
-----Daniel Willms
"I depend on and use the bus or Dial-A-Ride almost daily. My life, employment and independence would be greatly affected without it. People do not realize how important public transportation is and means to individuals such as myself. Walla Walla needs Valley Transit!"
-----Maria Platner
"I just mailed in my vote for Valley Transit. I hope all of you will vote to support Valley Transit as well. Valley Transit is not merely valuable to its riders, but to all the community. It contributes to exactly the kind of quality of life factors businesses look for when choosing a new site or for relocation. It increases shopping and employment opportunities for many in the community. A vote for Valley Transit is a vote for an economically healthy future for Walla Walla."
-----Edward Foy
"As a rider of Valley Transit/Dial-A-Ride I would like to encourage everyone to vote for Valley Transit. Valley Transit is an invaluable resource to many in the Valley. For many people, Valley Transit is the only mode of transportation available. For many riders, including me, Valley Transit gives them independence. They can go to work, shopping, basically anywhere. Please join me in voting yes for Valley Transit."
-----Ruth Johnson
"As an 11-year resident of Walla Walla, I want to express my support for the ballot measure for Valley Transit. I am a rider of Valley Transit who happens to be blind and depend on its services for getting to work, medical appointments and leisure activities, all of which enhance my quality of life. Even though these are difficult economic times we live in and as a person living on a fixed income, I support the increase in this tax. With passage of this measure, Valley Transit will be able to continue providing its terrific services that riders have come to appreciate and depend upon."
-----Vivian Conger
"Imagine finding a job in this tough economy but not having a car or money for fuel to get to work. Or being a senior or wheelchair-bound, needing to do your grocery shopping or attend a doctor's appointment and not being able to afford taxi service. These are issues faced by many in our communities. For them, Valley Transit is a lifeline.I am the CEO of Blue Mountain Action Council, which serves thousands of people in the Walla Walla/College Place area. For many of these individuals, Valley Transit is their only means of finding jobs, getting to work and taking care of life's basic tasks. A secure and robust public transportation system that is available at an affordable price is important to our community's prosperity. A "yes" vote on the Feb. 9 ballot is a vote for the Walla Walla Valley's continued vibrancy and vitality."
-----Steven M. Moss
"I am writing to express my strong support for Walla Walla's Valley Transit bus system. I cannot emphasize enough how important the public transportation system is for persons who are disadvantaged and or disabled who are trying to find or maintain gainful employment. Unfortunately, many people with disabilities have no other source of reliable transportation to and from work. Transportation reliability makes all employees more dependable, an important employment factor and expectation of any employer. I strongly encourage our citizens to support the Valley Transit system through their vote in support of our special, silent citizens who rely upon us to look out for their best interest."
-----Christine Daudt, Executive Director, Lillie Rice Center, Inc.
" On behalf of all the Rising Son Clubhouse members who contributed to this letter, I am writing to express appreciation to Valley Transit for its continued and dependable transportation support. The Rising Sun Clubhouse plays an important role in the Walla Walla community by providing a safe environment for adults with mental illness. Mental illness thrives in an environment of isolation. The importance of daily social interaction cannot be stressed enough. Everyday errands like going to the grocery store, going to doctor appointments and getting to the clubhouse for lunch are all dependant on buses running. As individuals with mental illness, we already face significant difficulties and challenges in our day-to-day life. We have seen devastating cuts in social services on both a federal and state level. Rather than face more adversity and challenge, we ask you to join us in saving our buses and help us maintain our independence and autonomy. What would we do if there were no buses running, no Dial-A-Ride, no Job Access? This is the question as we rally to provide a sustainable and reliable source of income for Valley Transit."
-----Laura Holt
"I and many other people in Walla Walla and College Place area depend on Valley Transit as our only way to get to doctor, shopping and to be able to be mobile. If the measure is not approved everyone will be affected. We do not realize how much the bus means until we have the bus as our only way to get around. If the increase isn't approved the bus service will be drastically cut.Not voting for the increase means people who are handicapped, those who don't have a driver's license, the young and the elderly will suffer.The sales tax increase is only 3 cents on $10! Please vote yes on this! Help us remain mobile!"
-----Jerry Colvin
"My daughter, who can no longer drive, uses Dial-A-Ride daily, my granddaughter uses the regular bus system to get to work and I use the Dial-A-Ride when I cannot drive (medical reasons or weather). It has been a blessing to have this bus system in our small town. It is such a small price to pay, three cents on a $10 purchase will keep our bus system running."
-----Aronda Campbell
"It is with the greatest concern and deepest sentiment that I write the following. Our current bus system is in peril. Certain bodies wish to cut our public transportation system, failing to realize how important it is to many in our community. As a college student, member of the Latino community and daily bus rider, I stand against such actions. For many students and Latinos the bus system is their only means of transportation. For you nonbelievers, those who brush the issue away believing it will never effect them because they have no use for public transportation, I ask them one question. With growing disruption in our economy, when will be the next time you might need the bus?"
-----Daniel Elizondo
"I have lived in the Walla Walla Valley for 40-plus years, During my childhood I had never heard of "public transportation," much less had a need for it. However by the time I became a wife, and then a mother, things changed. By the time my daughter reached junior high and then high school she used Valley Transit fixed routes to get back and forth to school. At that time in life I was able to drive, and depended on my own car for transportation. Now because of health complications, I am no longer able to do that, and am completely dependent on Valley Transit Dial-a-Ride service. I use it daily to get to and from work, and to doctor appointments. I even use the connector on weekends to get to the grocery store and pharmacy to buy medications. Without this vital service my life would have come to a standstill when my health began to decline. So many people like myself depend on the bus service for our daily lives. You never know what life may bring you, and who knows, someday you too may need this vital service. Please help to save the transit service by voting yes on the Feb. 9 ballot."
-----Sharon Schwarzin
"La crisis financiera ya robo muchos trabajos en Walla Walla y College Place--no deja a ella a robar nuestros buses también. Valley Transit perdió la mitad de sus fondos con la crisis y necesita un aumento de los impuestos de tres centavos por cada diez dólares para quedar como esta. Sin este aumento Valley Transit cortará la mitad de sus servicios como “Dial a ride” y “Job Access.” Yo tengo muchos amigos que dependen de Valley Transit para ir al Community College, Wa-Hi, y también para ir al trabajo. Muchos de nosotros en la comunidad hispana se encontraran sin medio de ir a los lugares donde vivimos y trabajamos por que no tenemos medio de comprar o mantener un coche. ¡En su balota, apunte “approve” para salvar nuestro sistema de transporte y nuestros trabajos! El martes, el 9 de febrero es el ultimo dia para devolver su balota por correo. Proteje su comunidad, y vote "Si"."
-----Pedro Galvao
