About 80 supporters of a local sales tax to improve transportation in Richland County gathered to launch a “vote yes” campaign Wednesday morning.

The group — which included chamber officials and local political leaders — touted “more jobs, safer roads, local control” as selling points.

Among the speakers was Joyce Delk, a resident of Lower Richland who complained about unpaved roads that coat her house with dust and inflame children’s asthma.

Delk said boys in the country don’t date local girls because they don’t want to drive their cars on the rough roads. “We want our girls to have boyfriends,” too, Delk said to laughter.

Other voters addressed the danger for cyclists, the need for bus service for students and disabled people and suburban roads that need turn lanes.

Richland County voters go to the polls Nov. 6 to decide the proposal, which would raise the tax for most purchases to 8 cents on-the-dollar and cost the typical family of three $253.34 a year.

For a list of proposed projects, click here.

Read more in Thursday’s edition of The State.