So, maybe the death of Mike Feuer’s legislation to lower the voter approval threshold for a sales tax increase from 67% to 55% isn’t such a big deal after all.

Buoyed by recent support by business owners and west side rail riders, a new poll by Fairbank, Maslin, Maulin & Associates (FMM&A) on behalf of Metro shows that support for a half cent sales tax increase in LA County, provided that all funds go directly to transportation, is at 73%.

Metro CEO Roger Snoble believes the surge of support is directly tied to the increase in gas prices. From Metro’s press release:

"The sales tax initiative to relieve traffic congestion has an incredibly high level of support across the County," said Metro CEO Roger Snoble. "With gas prices rising through the roof and our roads growing more congested by the
day, residents are calling out for an improved public transportation system."

The news of high support for the sales tax increase comes at a good time. The Metro’s Board of Directors is expected to vote on the increase at Thursday’s monthly Board Meeting.

Photo: Damien Newton