I disagree – the streetcar concept is absurd.

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

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.

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: dave4boise@gmail.com, 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.

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.)

* 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
tj4idaho@hotmail.com