Saanich Council Candidate Says “No Thanks!” to LRT

Press release I got from Jesse McClinton who is running for Saanich Council

For immediate release – November 17, 2011 – Victoria, BC

Jesse McClinton, Saanich council candidate, is actively supporting an overpass at the McKenzie/Island Highway intersection instead of the more expensive option of Light Rail Transport, recommended to improve
ingress and egress to the downtown core. McClinton feels the LRT option does not have the required population to justify the initial and long-term costs, and would be a gross misuse of the taxes paid by
Saanich residents. Instead of an LRT, the intersection at McKenzie and Island Highway should be restructured to improve traffic flow into and out of the city core. McClinton feels this option will not only be
less expensive initially, but the long-term costs and benefits will be more favourable than the LRT proposal.

The LRT is not a fiscally responsible decision given the current economic crises globally and locally, and will become a massive burden on Saanich residents and businesses without providing any appreciable
benefits. An overpass will enable better traffic flow, accommodate additional bus service to the WestShore, and ensure future technologies (increased adoption of electric vehicles, personal rapid transit, etc) are able to use the existing infrastructure. The assumption that commuters will stop driving en masse when presented
with an LRT option is unrealistic and borderline negligent.

A substantial amount of traffic at the current chokepoint of McKenzie/Island highway is travelling to or from the UVic/Gordon Head area; the decision to install an overpass will provide a reasonably priced option that will benefit all of the communities of Greater Victoria.

Jesse McClinton has lived and worked in Saanich for most of his adult life. In 2009 the BC Liberal Candidate Selection team chose him to run as the BC Liberal candidate for the Victoria-Swan Lake riding. He has
built his platform on putting Saanich taxpayers first, and is doing his part to actively increase the population in Saanich by becoming a father in April 2012. McClinton is the owner of a local marketing company, Alter-Ego Marketing Group, an active member on the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and an integral part of the Victoria Marathon planning committee.
For additional information:

contact Jesse McClinton at 250-415-9745 or jesse@alteregomarketinggroup.com