@Serendipity: I concur that those quotations are couched in diction of class conflict. I find terms like workforce housing just as demeaning as you do.

Please enlighten me as to which type of tax moneys go to the city and which to CCDC? Sorry if everyone else already knows this, but I doubt it. Thanks.

EDITOR NOTE– In defense of TJ. He has not only posted his views, he FAVORS a vote of citizens! Here is what he said:

“I have 3 major concerns with the Streetcar concept:
1) Cost – It will cost Boise business owners along the Streetcar line a large chunk of change during a difficult economy. I want to assure the impacts are offset by increased economic development as a result of the line.
2) Construction –I want to be sure construction of the line, if the project is approved, does not negatively affect the local economy during construction.
3) Cables – I love the present look and feel of our downtown. I realize cables above ground are more affordable, but they could potentially take away from the beauty of downtown Boise.

There are also positives to the prospect of a Boise Streetcar. The economic impacts have shown to be outstanding on businesses in many cities. This also could serve as the first phase of a future light rail system in the Boise Valley, which I support and believe is necessary to meet future demands. Public transportation alternatives lower the cost of living and reduce air pollution.

However, we are very early in the process. To take a stand now on the Streetcar is premature and would be a disservice to the citizens of Boise for several reasons:
1) The Economic and Engineering Feasibility Assessment has not yet been released (being conducted by a 35-member non-partisan task force of business, property, and community leaders – a committee of republicans, democrats, and those that will be directly impacted financially by the project).
2) We do not yet know if Boise will receive Federal funding for the project ($40 Million in TIGER funds from the Economic Stimulus Package).
3) We have not heard from the collective voice of the people. I support a vote by the citizens if it is held during a regularly scheduled election (so as to not cost tax-payers enormous amounts of money for a “special” election). Whether we collect input via a ballot vote or through hearings and surveys, I am adamant that we receive broad public input and opportunity for comment from Boise citizens before moving forward.

You can count on me to never take a “knee-jerk” approach on important issues, such as the Streetcar, before first getting ALL the facts and broad public input. My approach on the Council, should I be fortunate to be elected, will be to study, listen, learn and keep an open mind. My judgment is based on the long-term interest of Boise, not short-term political gain.”

EDITOR NOTE–With regard to development, we can argue economic benefits, but any TAX REVENUE from development would NOT go to the city of Boise–it would all go to the CCDC.

Lucas Baumbach said:
“According to a national study of urban rail,
“Public transit often acts as a poverty magnet.” [THAT, Mr Baumbach, is a stinky, snobby, classist remark.]
He continues: “When urban crime rises, middle-class households are less willing to use this option downtown. Will incumbent politicians ride a streetcar that attracts crime? Will anyone?”
[Crime doesn’t necessarily go with poverty. Check out the rampant white-collar crime here and in the country at large.]

OK folks–since Portland has been mentioned, read this: My relatives in Portland just told me that crime on Portland’s famed mass transit rail system is so bad now that the city has to put cops on the trains. Rail cars cannot have a cop on each one. What if a cop isn’t in the car you are riding when some con tries to mug you? At least BUSES consist of only 1 car; and there is a driver who, one hopes, has a cop-caller to get rid of assholes and worse.

This whole rail fantasy is so utterly ridiculous there can be only one unstated reason for it: building up pressure for a new convention center, as dog said???

Back to buses:I won’t ride them here because the transit company does NOT provide shelters at bus stops. I refuse to stand out there in the rain,the freeze, the sleet or snow. If the fear is that bus shelters will be used by homeless, well they won’t be using them in the daytime; and if they are, one can always call the cops to get them out. Or, candidates– use some of the saved money from NOT doing the trolley-folly by hiring more regular street coppers.
Too much money in this town is spent on grandiose biz schemes, like the hole downtown… and not enough on making this city liveable for all, including senior people. About the only concession to senior people (who tend to be shunned whenever possible by the politicians) are the ADA-type corners for wheelchairs and the occasional handicap parking space. Well, seniors are not ALL on wheelchairs, but many of them no longer drive, either. Mass transit IS needed and it’s got to be buses, for safety, convenience, and taxpayer savings.

I will likely boycott this election and continue to call for federal martial law in Boise because the mayor and city council operate as if public opinion and the laws of the State of Idaho are irrelevant and because the police department hasn’t been brought under civilian control and direction.

EDITOR NOTE–As a rule we don’t link to other sites, unless it has a direct connection to the comment or it is a politico currently running or in office. We figure it is worthwhile to allow them the link to share their views during this election period, however.

The streetcar is a ploy to get a new convention center(re?) so they can get someone to ride it.
I like progressive stuff but this is just plain stupid.
What about 2000 small busses? Or pay for an overhead express way on Front and Myrtle?
A jetpack for every citizen?
Rickshaws?
Baby taxis?
Tractors pulling hay rides?
A stable for horse commuters?
An airport shuttle?
More stables for bike commuters?

If you’re talking about the latest Portland LIGHT RAIL extension then yes it was costly – about $ 60 + million a mile. Salt Lake had a similar cost per mile with one of their light rail extensions. But the current downtown Boise proposal is for a STREETCAR not light rail. A streetcar is a close cousin to light rail but not the same thing.

The initial cost per mile for the Portland STREETCAR was in the $ 13 – 20 million per mile range depending on which source document you look at. Estimated cost for the proposed Boise streetcar is in the $ 45 – 65 million dollar range for 2.6 mile loop. That works out to about $ 17 – 25 million dollars a mile. And that’s just for the first phase! There are at least two more phases already being proposed – at about the same cost per mile.

When originally proposed the Boise streetcar was to be the only completely locally funded streetcar in the nation. CCDC was really proud of that fact at the time. However, that $ 65 million in local funds could have been used as match for more than $ 300 million in federal dollars (if that much were available). And that’s enough to purchase about 1,000 full size buses at today’s prices. Staggers the mind, doesn’t it? You’re right, what are they thinking?

TOP THREE ISSUES–
1) Spending. Each and every dollar that is spent must make as big on an impact as possible. Fiscal responsibility means if you watch after the nickels and dimes, the dollars will watch after themselves.
2) Transparent and Accountable Government. This requires citizens to be involved, but you will never catch me trying to sneak anything through. I will be looking for voter involvement and input. Obviously not everyone will get what they want, but I want public hearings to happen before decisions are made, not after.
3) The CCDC and it’s scope. How can this be utilized and leveraged to serve all of Boise? How it is working now, how can it be improved, or is it time to disband it and utilize a different format? This must be explored and acted upon.

TRANSPORTATION
There has been a large flaw in most transportation studies. It turns out most people support mass transit “FOR THE OTHER GUY” so I can drive my car with less traffic. It is time to figure out how to make our bus system usable and leverage the assets we have to better serve the public. If it were usable, would the people actual then use it? I am open to alternative transportation that is cost effective and will be used. Something needs to be done about the large volume of commuters coming to Boise in the AM and going back to Canyon county in the PM. I would try to avoid local option taxes until it is the absolute last resort. I think we are taxed enough already. The spending must be frugal, controlled, and prioritized to find any waste that could be better used.

GROWTH
Annexation is something that needs some serious examination. There is a comprehensive plan that includes an area of impact that has been utilized to cash in on increased tax receipts after the growth has happened. I believe the citizens of Boise deserve to have the services a city provides, before the city looks to annex other areas. We need to find ways to streamline the approval process while making sure that the impact of a development is documented. Developers need to be encouraged to finish the development of areas in the city, and developers outside the city need to be encouraged to plan for incorporation into the city. The relationship with the Ada County Commissioners needs to be built to be more cooperative and transparent. Each situation needs to be discussed on it’s own merits, but the comprehensive plan should be the guide. If the comprehensive plan needs variances and special use permits, perhaps it is not such a good plan and should be revisited.

Bikegirl, are you suggesting a candidate is off your list if he misspells a name on a blog-type response? Wow – you are TOUGH!

Oh – and “trolley” – as has been in the headlines all week – is spelt with an “e”! (Of course, you’re not running for office, either.)
(-;
Have a great day! Be careful on that bike!