Odd indeed that the man who needs “more study and reports” draws a line-in-the-sand when it comes to asking voters for some input. Too ‘spensive!

Thomson appears to be a “chameleon” politician. To declare his opinion might be to turn off some voters. And even his supporters declare that his ascendancy to the City Council is just part of his fast track to his REAL political aspirations.

By contrast, “Knee Jerk” Litster has made his position known, and the pro-trolley voters will be informed, at least.

(BG… I hate to change the topic, but have you heard anything about Thomson’s involvement with a GOP booth at the recent Western Idaho Fair? I’ve heard a few rumblings, but no details.)

EDITOR NOTE–TJ reads the GUARDIAN, so we will offer him comment space to confirm, deny, or explain. Normally we don’t do rumors, but since it is just harmless politics and the silly season is here we make an exception.

BG…I was looking for a web site or email to contact Mr. Lister and get his stance on the City of Boise Ambulance issue do you happen to have any contact info you could share….or, have you spoken with him with regard to that issue.

After reading many of the comments on this site, I had a question…both the current Fire Chief and the Head of the PR firm for the street car campaign have worked with Bieter on past political campaigns….has the city offered any comment about these issues, at least appear, to have conflicting interests?

EDITOR NOTE–This is the address on press releases: [email protected]

I would rather we pay for an election than a folley trolley.

It seems to me that the mayor has trouble getting voter approval for his projects. The last annexation was testified against in mass. The tax increase for libraries was voted down. His health care resolution that is to the left of even TJ/Obama was testified against. The mayor also is having trouble with these pesky expensive studies not supporting his whims. Amtrak’s return, touted by vern, maryann and the mayor before the study was released, was deemed UNVIABLE by the study. With vern and maryann supporting the trolly, vern having already voted to fund it, maybe the Boise citizens should take a close look at this council race. There are records. You can check where I stand. I am running for this position to serve the people and implement ideas to make things work better. Health care resolutions are not a good use of city time and resources. The train and the trolly are cute, but not realistic. Let’s work on sidewalks, improving the bus service, controlling spending, reducing tax burdens, attracting employers, attracting families to live in Boise, all by improving Boise’s functionality. The citizens must examine what city hall is doing. Didn’t they just try to sneak $90,000 of spending to PROMOTE (not study) the trolly?

Julie Fanselow (Idaho Democratic Party Communications Director, commenting on the Boise Bus Blog): “Boise City Council candidate TJ Thomson recognizes that our city could do much better when it comes to public transit, and that’s a key reason I will be voting for him on Nov. 3. What we really need to do is elect TJ to the Idaho Legislature…”

TJ, you need to make your intentions known to Ms. Fanselow. Perhaps that is just wishful thinking on her part.

And of course, the Council election is “non-partisan.” (Nudge-nudge, wink-wink.)

In responding to TJ Thomson’s comments above on my trolley initiative petition, I believe TJ has inadvertently mischaracterized what my proposed petition does, which is understandable since he hasn’t seen it yet. (See also, excerpt of TJ comments from the Boise Weekly, excerpted below).

My initiative petition will only require the city council to enact an ordinance that REQUIRES any city council, BEFORE they proceed to fund a trolley—as is contemplated here—to get voter approval FIRST (at one of the regularly scheduled election times.) So no “expensive election” needs to be held at this time.

But with this ordinance in place, IF the Mayor and city council start to make a move on the city treasury for this ridiculous trolley, they will HAVE to first stop and get permission from the voters. Who can argue with that?

Once we have gathered enough petition signatures, the city council will have the choice to adopt such an ordinance. If they don’t, then the initiative procedures require the voters to make the decision about adding this “let the voters decide” ordinance to the books.
And on a side note:
One key difference between TJ’s position and mine on the trolley is that TJ says it’s “irresponsible” for any candidate to rule out the trolley until all the “facts” are in.

I am in possession of three facts: Fact 1) Boise City taxpayers will be soaked with an initial $20 million expense (along with Uncle Sam’s $40 million) to build it.

Fact 2) It will cost city taxpayers “up to” $2 million PER YEAR to operate this “free” trolley.

Fact 3) Current law allows only three council members plus the Mayor to create a L.I.D. and impose a $20 million tax increase on businesses and homeowners. Perhaps you trust them not to do this, but I don’t.

Perhaps there are more “facts” that the Mayor’s study commission will report to us (after the November 3rd election, conveniently), but unlike TJ, I presently have all the facts I need to take a firm stand against the trolley.

And finally, in his recent Boise Weekly quote (below), TJ referred to me—accurately—as a “fiscal hawk.” I think the taxpayers will appreciate having a “fiscal hawk” on the Boise City Council to review ongoing tax and spending matters.

Dave Litster, email: [email protected], website: http://www.dave4boise.com
—————————————–
Boise Weekly excerpt- October 9, 2009 (online edition)
http://www.boiseweekly.com/CityDesk/archives/2009/10/09/litster-calls-for-streetcar-vote-thomson-calls-for-calm

“Thomson stated that Litster, ‘who has claimed to be a fiscal hawk, is now proposing spending thousands of tax payer dollars on a special election on a project of which we have not yet received all the facts.’”

EDITOR NOTE–Thomson also made the same remark on the GUARDIAN…maybe even first on the GUARDIAN.

I tell ya, I am sick of politics as usual, but it just doesn’t seem to get better. So here’s my 2 cents…

TJ, your stance on the trolley is weak and your rhetoric is typical political talk. I, for one, am sick of the “riding the fence” politician. -won’t commit to a side. Yeah, yeah, this race is supposed to be non-partisan – right…We all know who stands where….

Look, I’m a “liberal” (and I hate those stupid labels) but it doesn’t take a brainiac to see the trolley is absurd. Didn’t we just have an open house to learn “the facts” about the trolley? Yet, you said, “taking a stance on the issue prior to having all the facts does a disservice to the citizens of Boise.” Oh, my, “a disservice to the citizens…” – typical ‘I care’ rhetoric. I voted for Obama, heard the same rhetoric, and what has he done? Nada. Don’t tell me about how much you care about Boise – show me by taking a stand. You either think it’s a good idea or you don’t. If you really don’t know, then you won’t get my vote – I’d say you’re just not smart enough. Sorry. Get some business experience and come back later.

You said, “There is a lot of work that needs to be done on the streetcar concept BEFORE it is even ready for a decision.” Is that why the city council tried to pass $90K in funding? For a PR firm to push a “concept”? This is more than a “concept” and if you think otherwise, then either you simply don’t have enough experience for this job, or you’re playing it safe. I’m not sure which one it is.

This is just one issue, so grow a spine, young man, stand up and lead and I might just vote for you.

Mary Hansen

TJ Thompson says (above): “There is a lot of work that needs to be done on the streetcar concept BEFORE it is even ready for a decision.”

I disagree – the streetcar concept is absurd.

I would like to ask why we need a street car to no where and aturn around on warm springs road when we need more responsible things in our town. Some of these important things are a new jail more stricter bicycle laws that require bikers to obey traffic laws of the state of idaho or is boisens privilage riders. It is not always the cars fault that the riders is careless. What about the commuters they bring in a lot of money to the community. What about a free ride once a month on the buses to get people acquated with the bus system other towns do it.
artur jackson