The Denver Post
June 3, 2009, Jeffrey Leib

RTD directors agreed Tuesday night to not ask metro Denver voters this November for approval of a sales-tax increase that would close a $2.2 billion shortfall for FasTracks. In doing so, directors aligned themselves with the Metro Mayors Caucus, which recently overturned its earlier decision to seek a tax vote this year. The caucus represents more than 35 mayors in metro Denver. Before making their decision, Regional Transportation District directors heard political consultant Maria Garcia Berry's analysis that it would be very difficult for RTD and other FasTracks backers to win a tax election this year. Voter turnout is dramatically smaller in odd-year elections than in even years, said Berry, whose firm has a public relations contract with RTD. The hard-core voters who would vote this November are concerned about their finances, Berry said, and "we think it is not prudent to go for a tax increase this year." Metro mayors are supporting a 2010 vote, though RTD directors have yet to make that decision. ...

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