"Tonight's vote to save Light Rail and preserve the South Central Project was the result of strong and courageous leadership; from my colleagues who voted in favor to do so, to staff who found a way to be flexible, and advocates of modern mass transit options. The hardest work is still before us, however, and it is more important than ever to work together and ensure that the new community engagement process going forward is fair, equitable, honest, collaborative, and transparent. More importantly, we must strive to make certain that the working families and business people of this community have a real seat at the decision-making table, and that their priorities are completely considered in the final project. This is their community, and they have a right before anyone else to decide how to build it up.
Sometimes the right thing to do is not always the easiest thing, and I know that there are those who are unhappy with this decision to move light rail forward. It is my pledge to the people of South Phoenix, that I will continue to do everything I can to see that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. We now must begin the process of truly involving those who are affected most by this project; in order to make it the most innovative, creative, and inclusive ever to be achieved in Phoenix yet."
