City Government

Council Candidates Square Off Over Trolley Plan

The Team Dave proposal for a trolley in downtown Boise has touched off a round of press release exchanges between council candidates TJ Thomson and Dave Litster who are both seeking the seat of Jim Tibbs who is not running for reelection.

First shot came from Litster who is aiming to circulate a petition among citizens demanding the council get voter approval before approving Mayor Dave Bieter’s street car plan. As we understand the Litster plan, he wants to demand an ordinance insuring the vote, but threatens to call for an election if the council refuses to enact the voter approval ordinance.

Thomson is taking a “wait and see” approach. He wants more study and reports including the opinion of a 35 member task force appointed by Bieter.

“My opponent apparently will do something different – he’ll begin the discussion by throwing the first hand grenade,” said Thomson. Thomson claims Litster is calling for a “costly special election,” but with the new election consolidation state statute, we assume such a proposal would be merely added to the ballot of one of the four election dates set by the legislature.

Two political styles and two approaches to an issue. FINALLY! Something to talk about instead of watching the paint dry during the election campaign.

Comments & Discussion

Comments are closed for this post.

  1. 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.

  2. This is the fist thing of the council candidates I’ve heard about. Its getting so close to the election I thought it was just put your name in the hat and hope.

  3. 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]

  4. Mayor Bieter and Mayor Nancolas in Caldwell have the same idea about letting voters decide on big dollar projects. Their short answer is “we know what’s best” so just pay your taxes and please please shut up.

    I for one think it way past time citizens told these guys NO! They have no idea of just how bad the economy is on people these days. Nearly everyone I know is having to do with less, much less than they had just a year or so back.

    But the Mayors of our fair cities seem to have no concerns about this as they skip to wherever it is they’re going. Millions of tax dollars spent on pork are just another day at the office for these guys.

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

  6. CityWatch, Dave Litster here. I am opposed to the City of Boise getting into the ambulance transport business. It is a duplication of service that is provided very well by the Ada County Paramedics. I will fight to make sure that our tax dollars are spent wisely and keep taxes low. I will be a watch dog and a voice for the people on City Council and am proud to say that I have NOT been endorsed by Mayor Bieter. btw, my website is dave4boise.com. Also, I am not calling for a special election; only an ordinance that directs the Mayor and City Council to let the people decide if they want to move forward with the Trolley.

  7. 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?

  8. BikeBoy,

    * If, rather than a costly special election, we put the Bosie Streetcar on the ballot during one of the normal dates identified by the Idaho Legislature – I am all for it! That is a great way to get input on this issue, but taking a stance on the issue prior to having all the facts does a disservice to the citizens of Boise. My approach on the Council, should I be fortunate to be elected, will be to study, listen, learn and keep an open mind. There is a lot of work that needs to be done on the streetcar concept BEFORE it is even ready for a decision. I’m going to wait for the economic engineering and feasibility analysis being released in the weeks ahead by a 35-member non-partisan task force of business and community leaders, insist on broad public involvement and opportunity for comment, and make a judgment in the long-term interest of Boise.

    * I had no participation at either the Republican or Democrat booths at the Western Idaho Fair. I never volunteered at either. I enjoyed the Fair as a normal citizen with my wife, but did not work at either booth.

    * I have no intention of running for any office other than the Boise City Council. My heart is in Boise and this is where I intend to stay, work, play, and raise my family.

    Thanks so much for your comments,

    TJ Thomson
    [email protected]

  9. 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.)

  10. Thanks, Bikeboy. I will contact Julie, as I have no intention, nor desire, to serve in the Idaho State Legislature. My heart is in Boise and it’s the Boise City Council where the rubber meets the road and the work gets done – where I can have the greatest impact on the city I love, live, went to school, will raise kids, and intend to stay. I appreciate you telling me about this comment.
    All the best,
    TJ Thomson

  11. 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.

  12. Here is a thought to consider. By the year 2020 the population 65 and older will go from 12% today to 20% in 2020 across the country. This is a United Nations statistic.

    The challenge will be to make cities and towns LIFETIME COMMUNITIES where people can age in place. This would mean more sidewalks, bike trails and walking paths to get from point A to B along with a decent bus system.

    Most people would like to live out their lives in their homes. The trolley will not afford them any means of transportation to do so.

    If Mayor Bieter wants to have downtown corridor transportation he should look no farther than clean busses that run in a grid downtown free to riders.

    I really do not think there is the ridership to support a trolly. It is a fantasy and most folks know it.

  13. 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

  14. Mr. Thomson, with just 3 weeks before the election, it is time to let the citizens know where you stand on the issues! “Let’s study the streetcar” is simply not an acceptable answer.Do you, or do you not, support spending 20 million on start up, and then 1-2 million taxpayer dollars yearly to maintain such a project? Do you, or do you not, support the city’s effort to expand an ambulance service within the city? Do you, or do you not, support expanding the area of impact of the CCDC in Boise? Do you, or do you not, support the white water park on the Boise river? You may very well be the best candidate, but the “stealth campaign” you are running is not acceptable!

  15. Rod in SE Boise
    Oct 12, 2009, 1:00 pm

    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.

  16. The streetcar was tried before long ago and all the tracks torn out after it didn’t work well. Boise doesn’t need a streetcar to nowhere!

  17. arthur jackson
    Oct 30, 2009, 1:06 pm

    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

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