Voters support continued transportation tax

About 81 percent of voters favored the tax, which will sunset after four years unless it is renewed again. It’s expected to generate about $20 million in revenue that, through cost-sharing with county, state, federal and private agencies, will fund about $60 million in local traffic projects, according to city Public Works Director Marc Thornsberry.

Those proposed projects include: intersection improvements at Interstate 44 and Kansas Expressway, James River Freeway at National Avenue, James River Freeway at Campbell Avenue, and National at Kearney Street; widening of U.S. Highway 65; turn-lane improvements on Glenstone Avenue at Battlefield Road and on Chestnut Expressway at Sherman Avenue; bridge and pavement preservation, including bridge viaduct; enhance pedestrian, bicycle and transit mobility; construct pedestrian connections to transit stops along Glenstone; and enhancements to the Ozarks Traffic Intelligent Transportation System.

Thornsberry said all projects on the docket are critical, but first up likely will be the I-44/Kansas overhaul. Bids for that work could go out early next year.

The tax was first approved in 1996 and has been renewed every four years. Past notable projects funded by the tax include improvements to U.S. Highway 65 and Sunshine Street, West Bypass, and West Chestnut Expressway, Thornsberry said.

Other election results:

• Congressman Kenny Hulshof defeated State Treasurer Sarah Steelman for the Republican nomination in Missouri’s governor race. He will face Democrat Jay Nixon in November.

• Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and Democrat Sam Page will face off in November for Missouri lieutenant governor.

• Republican Mitch Hubbard will go up against Democrat incumbent Robin Carnahan in Missouri’s secretary of state race.

• Republican Brad Lager and Democrat Clint Zweifel will face each other in Missouri’s state treasurer race.

• Republican Mike Gibbons and Democrat Chris Koster will duel to be Missouri attorney general.

• Incumbent Republican Congressman Roy Blunt will be challenged by Democrat Richard Monroe for the U.S. House of Representatives District 7 seat.

• Incumbent Republican Charlie Denison will face Democrat Nancy Hagan for the state representative, District 135, seat.

• Republican Eric Burlison will face Democrat Nick Beatty for the state representative, District 136, seat.

• Republican Ronald Day will face incumbent Democrat Charlie Norr for the state representative, District 137, seat.

• Republican Michael Goodart Jr. will face incumbent Democrat Sara Lampe for the state representative, District 138, seat.

• Republican incumbent Shane Schoeller will face Democrat Janet Adams for the state representative, District 139, seat.

• Republican Jim Arnott will face Democrat Mike Ramon for Greene County Sheriff.

• Incumbent Republican Steve Helms will face Democrat Jim Lee for Greene County circuit court clerk.

• Incumbent Republican Rick Kessinger will face Democrat David Trippe for Greene County assessor.

Overall voter turnout in Greene County was nearly 20 percent, according to the county clerk’s office. Click here for complete county results, and here for complete state results.[[In-content Ad]]