Leaders speak out in favor of WRTA tax

By KATIE SEMINARA

Local leaders believe a stronger WRTA means a Valley with more stability.

BOARDMAN — Establishing a mass transit system in Mahoning County is key for people to obtain and retain jobs, said Commissioner John McNally IV.

“It’s an important component of economic development in the Valley,” he said.

Community leaders joined together at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center on Wednesday to urge support of the Western Reserve Transit Authority’s 0.25-percent sales tax that will be on the ballot in November.

“Public transportation determines, in many ways, the quality of life one can receive,” said Sister Marie Ruegg of St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center.

Affordable transportation is pivotal in the furthering of education, health care and employment in the area, Ruegg said.

Many people are losing jobs because of the lack of transportation, and the WRTA needs support in order to restore service.

“Let’s put the needs of the people uppermost in our minds and hearts when we go to the polls,” said Ruegg of voting for the sales tax in November to accommodate those who require the services provided by the WRTA.

Michael Bosela, transit authority board president, is a transit user and also visually impaired. It’s because of the WRTA service that Bosela has the ability to get to and from destinations.

“It’s like a lifeline,” he said.

WRTA gives those people who are disabled or elderly the opportunity to get out the same as able-bodied people, and Bosela believes if Issue 8 passes more people will seize that opportunity.

“I’ve been on the inside and outside of WRTA and the foremost concern is moving people,” Bosela said.