Monday, July 6, 2009
3C Rail First Project to be Affected by Anti-Progress Charter Amendment
The naysayers who are pushing the Anti-Progress Charter Amendment continue to work to deceive Cincinnati voters by saying that this dangerous proposal is intended to only affect the proposed Streetcar, even though the actual language of the charter amendment clearly states that funding for all passenger rail is jeopardized.
Some have responded by acknowledging this fact but stating that even if this is so, the Streetcar would be the first project that would be tested by the Anti-Progress Charter Amendment. Not true.
The Streetcar still has a long way to go. Mayor Mallory and City Manager Milton R. Dohoney, Jr. have both been very clear that this project needs federal funds to be completed. While the City is doing everything in its power to pursue federal funds, they are far from assured.
On the other hand, the 3C High Speed Rail line connecting Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland has already applied for a federal grant through the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). According to the details of this grant, the rail line is scheduled to open in 2011. Construction on the projects, including tracks and stations, would likely begin next year if ODOT is awarded the grant.
So it looks like the streetcar would NOT be the first test of the Anti-Progress Charter Amendment.
posted by Cincinnatians For Progress at
2 Comments:
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Voters turned down light rail in 2002...that issue needed signatures to get on the ballot for citizens to vote on. Why is collecting signatures to put an issue on the ballot bad now? Because the politicians are afraid it will be voted down again? Why are the politicians afraid to take issues to the voters if it's such a good idea? Thank God for the NAACP/COAST coalition...they are watching out for the taxpayers since the politicians won't. What about the operating costs of the streetcar? That won't totally be convered by stimulus money! The operating costs for the streetcar will eventually be passed on to the city taxpayers! CFP should be honest about who's going to fund the operation of this pet project. I'd be surprised if this comment gets published because I don't think CFP wants to have that debate!
July 6, 2009 10:02 PM
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Sean Bender said...
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Voters, especially in issue initiatives are usually gaslighted, resulting in bad decisions. We elect politicians for a reason. They have a job to vet complex issues that we admittedly don’t always have the time to investigate and understand fully. The right course of action here is to demand more of our politicians in terms of accountability not govern by popular initiatives that often are little more than ponzi schemes. Just look at what leaving every major decision to "popular" vote has done for California. A true model of democracy.
Cincinnati voters did turn down light rail at the ballot box in 2002. They also voted down rebuilding schools but did approve spending billions (when you include interest) on stadiums that have benefitted few and left us with generations of debt.
Though I love Cincinnati sadly, I must confess to leaving five years ago. So tune me out if you think my voice irrelevant.
Now I live in a place with real transit options (trains, cars, bicycles, walking). I live 1,000 feet from the ocean, parks, and can walk to all of my daily needs (dry-cleaning, pharmacy, grocery, dining, and more). I am a 3 min. walk to transit and I have more three ZipCar (www.zipcar.com) spots within the same distance. (Therefore I can also drive wherever I want without owning a car, and definitely for less cost and hassle).
My commute to work is a hassle-free 30 minute train ride. I read, snooze, or listen to music). All this and my cost of living is LESS (pay is higher) than it was in Cincinnati.
My quiet street is filled with families, young professionals, elderly, immigrants and such. We have moderately high home-ownership, but also accessible rentals often in the same three-unit buildings. We have block parties and trick-or-treating where everyone comes out.
I have 1,200 square feet 2 bedrooms, living, dining, big kitchen, two porches, yard (not too much thankfully). There are also two additional units in my “Triple Decker” building. Great for extra income or if I just wanted more space.
Oh, and my new home has the most beloved ball field in the country (Fenway Park). It's old, quirky, always packed, and all private.
Of course in that last revelation you might think Boston is just a tax nightmare. Our state and local tax burden is lower than the US average and our per capita income is about 25% higher. Ohio’s burden is among the highest in tax burdens (ranked 7th) and has a per capita income 13% below the US average. (www.taxfoundation.org)
My suspicion is that the real choice here has less to do with raising taxes (ultimately) and more to do with not spending money on stadiums, department stores, corporate subsidies, and a single mode of transport (cars and “free” parking).
…But I digress. I'm sure Cincinnati will be just fine the way it is. No progress is best. That way everyone can spend hours everyday with the one and only good transit choice, the car. Oh, and transit is for poo poo heads and is the spawn of Satan too!
July 10, 2009 3:20 AM
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