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SMART to place commuter rail tax on ballot

MARIN – For the second time, a ballot initiative is coming up on the Nov. 4 ballot to bring passenger rail to Sonoma and Marin counties.

In 2006, votes were just 1.4 percent short of passing the initiative to increase sales tax by 1/4-cent to cover the costs.

“At a time when climate change is the most important issue on our agenda, when gas is approaching $5 a gallon and when it can take an hour to drive on Highway 101 from Novato to San Rafael, the voters deserve another chance to decide on SMART,” SMART board chairman and Marin County Supervisor Charles McGlashan said.

Chris Coursey, the community outreach manager for SMART, believes that it is in a better position than two years ago. “People understand more than ever for there to be an alternative to driving on 101,” he said.