Editor’s Note: In the lead-up to the 2012 election, the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, Edina Chamber of Commerce, Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and TwinWest Chamber of Commerce talked with candidates and voters about the need for the Southwest Light Rail Transit project. The election brought in numerous legislators who support the project and transferred control to the DFL, which has historically been more supporting of light rail than their Republican opponents. TwinWest Chamber Director of Government Affairs Judy Johnson issued the following statement on behalf of the five chambers.

“Discussions before the election were a great opportunity for us to educate voters and policymakers about the need to improve transportation options in the southwest metro.  This is one of the fastest growing parts of the Twin Cities and the state. Projected job growth requires better transportation to serve those employees and maintain our quality of life.

“Our goals remain the same: we need an all of the above approach to investing in transportation. We look forward to working with new and returning legislators to build Southwest LRT, provide 10 million rides a year, promote economic development and job growth, improve our region’s quality of life, and reduce traffic congestion.”

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