I'd vote no because I couldn't trust the pols to somehow divert the taxes to balancing the mismanaged general fund (state or county) as happened with our "surplus gas tax" and as Parks tried to do locally, with the trash fee hike for cops.

While I believe the city needs a more extensive and wisely planned mass transit system to relieve gridlock, as every other major city has (the reasons we don't have one now, are beyond exasperating, as it could have been started 20 years ago), and while the pols proposing the tax and mass transit for L A may be sincere, there are others who rely on the ignorance of the voting public to divert taxes elsewhere.

Also, with the Wilshire to Santa Monica line not being built until 2030 even if we get funds, we need relief now. And if sales taxes go to this one project, we can't have other sales tax increases -- unless like Huckabee wants, they replace other taxes. Which will never happen in L A.

Still, this is better than the idea from LaBonge to pay for mass transit with parcel/ i.e. more property taxes -- the non-homeowners are actually most likely to use it most, and should pay their fair share.

YES! I think it's a great idea. We need more money to do ease traffic congestion. I would like to see more rail more places. It's about time someone got something moving. After all, a better transportation system can only help the region. We just need to make sure all the money stays here. I'm all for it!

I would vote the same way everyone should vote on Prop S: NO!!!

We are taxed more than enough. We don't need a new tax. We need a new mayor, namely, yours truly, Walter Moore.

Find out why you should vote "no" on Prop S on February 5, 2008. Visit http://WalterMooreForMayor.com.

Yes, I would be wiling to pony up another 1/2 cent to improve my commute. All I ever hear about are deficits and needs for improvement, I think it's great Metro is looking into generating more revenue. I applaud them for taking a leadership role in this. It's about time someone stepped up to the plate and started looking for solutions.

YES! I would definitely vote for a 1/2 cent tax hike for more rail transit lines in Los Angeles County! Us westsiders can no longer go out to evening venues due to the total gridlock on the freeways and all major north-south and east-west boulevards.
The Wilshire subway is already one generation overdue. The love affair with our autos must cease! Let?s get L.A. moving again!

No, raising sales tax would hurt retailers and restaurants as more people would buy online and bypass the local economy. We are taxed enough. We need better oversight of our current tax spendings.

By the way, although this is about the sales tax for transit issue, apropos people not trusting pols not to swipe monies raised for another purpose: the Sunland - Tujunga NC voted last night to oppose Prop S for that very reason, pointing to how the City Council promised voters the trash fee hike would go to cops, then tried to divert it to balance the general fund.

In fact, that ploy as made by Bernard Parks and some of his allies, and fought off successfully by the Mayor and his allies like Weiss -- but when Council pulls something like that, lots of people don't distinguish between who's who doing what, they just say, "we don't trust pols."

Voters must have assurance that taxes raised for a promised purpose go only to that purpose.

YES.

An increase by .5% is a minor inconvenience at most, for something that can greatly improve the quality of life in this city. Public Transit needs a boost, and L.A. residents need to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY in insuring the sustainability of our city - support Metro and alternative modes of transportation, and leave your cars at home!!!

Yes, if it is dedicated to mass transit. Mobility will improve and so will the economy if people consume less gasoline. For a poor person that consumes $4,000 annually of taxable goods and services the grand total of the additional tax would be $20. That's less than the recent fare hike, yet generates more revenue. I also support raising the statewide gas excise tax to fund mass transit. The reasons some people cite for opposing this measure such as high gas prices, are actually reasons to support it. Gasoline prices will not stabilize unless demand is reduced. Additionally, I also support reforming proposition 13.

Prop S is indeed designated just for the General Fund, so it is perfectly likely to be swiped towards balancing the General Fund, as Parks tried to do with the trash fee hike -- if not this year, then the next. For this reason, not only some NC's but PTA's and other civic groups are opposing it. Too bad.

There must be proof the sales tax will ONLY go to mass transit before putting it on any ballot. IF that were true, I'd support it as better than a parcel tax. (NO "reforming" Prop 13/ adding to burdens of homeowners for same reason: homeowners are a dwindling minority who pay for more than their fair share of everything already.)

YES!!!! Nothing would help Los Angeles more than improving on the transportation system. Metro has improved so dramatically over the last few years and have done the most with what they have. Now is the time to do more - and if I local sales tax is the way to do it then let's move ahead. More rail - better roads - Let's do it!!