While we are disappointed in the outcome of the levy vote, we respect the decision of the voters and appreciate every person who supported SARTA and believes in the importance of public transportation in our community.
We also recognize where we fell short.
Over the years, funding limitations forced SARTA to reduce service in some areas of Stark County. We understand that when communities experience service cuts, it can affect trust, visibility, and support. That reality played a role in this outcome, and it is something we must continue addressing moving forward.
The purpose of this levy was to stabilize and improve service so we could better serve the entire county connecting residents to jobs, healthcare, education, grocery stores, and daily opportunities.
This result does not change our mission.
SARTA remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and quality transportation services while continuing to rebuild trust, strengthen community relationships, and improve how we communicate the value and impact of public transit across Stark County.
To everyone who supported this effort, thank you.
Your support means a great deal to our riders and the many residents who depend on public transportation every day.
We will continue listening, learning, and working hard to move Stark County forward together.
Ralph Lee, interim CEO at the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority
This article originally appeared on The Repository: SARTA remains committed to its mission despite levy failure | Letter
Reporting by The Repository / The Repository
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