This year promises to be the most exciting election year ever. So as you cast your vote, don’t overlook a measure further down on the ballot-one that will improve your commute and is good for the environment. Vote YES on Proposition 1, the regional measure to expand mass transit.

We are supporting Prop 1 for two primary reasons.

One-Prop 1 is the transit solution for the future at the cost of about a tank of gas — $69 a year for the average adult.

Two-Prop 1 is good for the Eastside and it is good for Issaquah. Here are the reasons why.

The Eastside will receive more investment than any other part of King, Pierce or Snohomish counties — 35 percent of the entire regional package.

Prop 1 will bring light rail to Bellevue in 2020 and to the Microsoft campus in Redmond in 2021 while connecting to the light rail system from Seattle to Sea Tac which will open next year.

There is also a light rail planning study in Prop 1 that would position Issaquah at the top of the list for future light rail expansion. In the interim, our community will receive more vitally needed bus service beginning in 2009.

Some say this isn’t the perfect plan. We can not afford to debate this any longer. If Prop 1 does not pass it will be another 40 years before we have an opportunity to provide relief from high gas prices and gridlock while long-term investments in light rail provide jobs, improve our quality of life and protect the environment.

Please join us on November 4 and vote YES for Prop 1. Let’s give the Eastside and our citizens the transit system they deserve. It will only cost the average adult about $69 per year-just one tank of gas. It is a small price to pay for improving your commute and making the region a better place for our kids.

-Ava Frisinger

Issaquah Mayor

Fred Butler

Issaquah City Council