Thank you for your insight as to why Prop T is a viable regulatory measure for helping to reduce traffic in Santa Monica. While I am not a resident of the city, I am a proponent of initiatives that promote sustainable civic practices. In reviewing arguments put forth by supporters and opponents of the proposition, I am able to see why the topic is so divisive. With over 10,000 signatures and support from several prominent city council members, it appears that Prop T enjoys a major backing by its residents. However, I ponder the process used by proponents to substantiate advocacy of the proposal by the public. It seems to me that as is true for most political issues, the methods for garnering support can be suspect. A good deal of those cited to be in favor of Prop T may not have ever fully understood both sides of the issue at hand, instead opting to initial their approval of something they were told would be an instrument to effectively reduce traffic in Santa Monica. I tend to agree with your logic that “it seems counterintuitive that less commercial development will have no affect on reducing traffic volume.” However, while this may in fact be true, do you think that this initiative is one that adeptly addresses the identified issue? In my analysis, I only see that it only slows down the impending rate of traffic entering the city. Because of Santa Monica’s beauty and the myriad of activities it offers, it will always be a destination for tourists and individuals from the surrounding Los Angeles area. Thus, I find that Prop T would not be a viable solution in helping to reduce the basic contributors of congestion ills. Instead, it would behoove Santa Monicans to support initiatives providing incentive for locals to utilize alternative means of transportation. Furthermore, members of the community could vote in favor of building infrastructure including public transportation that would support the city’s evolution into a more transit-friendly community. Thus while I understand why you support Prop T, I see it as a measure concerning not the issue of traffic, but one that asks its residents whether or not they are fundamentally opposed to further development in their area.