Sykes supports penny for light rail

Jun 23, 2010 (Tampa Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --

TEMPLE TERRACE -- Three years ago Chuck Sykes, president and CEO of Sykes Enterprises, a multinational Tampa-based corporation, wanted no part of light rail in his community.

He has since changed his mind.

On June 16, Sykes stood before a luncheon crowd of Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce members at the University of South Florida Alumni Center to tout the benefits of a 1-cent sales tax increase Hillsborough County voters are facing on the Nov. 2 ballot.

If passed, the money would help fund the area's first light-rail system, along with bus and road improvements.

"Rail is the missing piece," said Sykes, chairman of the Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commence and treasurer of Tampa Bay Partnership.

"I used to say, 'I'll never use it,' but the more I researched and studied it, the more I realized it's more than just transportation," Sykes said.

He cited a visit to his hometown of Charlotte, N.C., and a ride on its light-rail system as the "uh huh" moment that opened his eyes as to how it can rejuvenate a community.

"I could not believe how it brought businesses along the sides of the road," he said. "The mayor there said, 'It's almost like we created 10 miles' worth of beach-front property.' And that got me excited."

The transit tax, or "investment" as Sykes prefers to call it, would, in his judgment, create more economic opportunities, a better quality of life, sustainable growth and brand the Tampa Bay community in a more positive, progressive light.

Sykes, also the secretary/treasurer of Moving Hillsborough Forward, made reference to a recent Forbes magazine story that ranked the Tampa Bay area first among the 30 communities it studied in terms of traffic congestion.

"Infrastructure is a huge enabler, and we must do something to enhance it," he said "This community is expected to grow by 200,000 in the next 10 years."

For the people who aren't sold on the idea of the tax increase, he encourages them to do some research.

"We only have so much land to build and widen roads, and it's evident we've got to do something," Sykes said. "The only thing I ask is that you please be informed about it."

In attendance was Councilman Ron Govin, who called Sykes's talk "very insightful" but gave no mention of his own position on the issue.

"He did a great job expressing the pro position on the sales tax referendum," said Temple Terrace Joyce Johnston. But she also noted she plans to research the issue more carefully before she casts her vote.

Sherrill Tomasino, a USF trustee, and David Long, a former Temple Terrace chamber president, also thought Sykes did an outstanding job of presenting his case. At the same time, both intend to do some follow-up study.

"I think we all need to do some investigative work of our own," Tomasino said.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 731-8026.

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