The Albuquerque Journal is starting to do its thing on the Mayor's proposed streetcar for Central Avenue along Albuquerque's core area. They are calling for a vote on the project, which is probably fine, but they will likely turn this into a controversial project which will ultimately go down to defeat if it is voted on.
I remember when I was Mayor and we passed the original transportation tax in 1998. Many of the republican city councillors fought the tax but it ended up passing by 700 votes. These were the same guys that fought building the Isoptopes Stadium a couple of years later. One of them was Greg Payne, who is now a big supporter of the streetcar initiative now that he is Transit director for the city. He originally ran for the city council on an anti tax platform, now he is promoting this new tax without going to a vote.
I think this project is an interesting one and that if the economics are there it should be built. It will certainly have to prove itself against expanding Rapid Ride Services throughout the city. Thirty years from now when we are out of oil an existing infrastructure for mass transit will look really visionary. Thirty years isn't that long folks.
2 comments:
Jim, The main problem with the streetcar is that it aims so low. We have to deal with global warming, congestion, air quality, health, and the staggering loss of life that is occuring due to poorly planned infrastructure. And we have to deal with it pronto. We can't afford to spend half the tax revenues on something that will have a minute impact on global warming, congestion, air quality, health, and loss of life. Instead we should spend (possibly more) money on projects that will have the needed outcomes. (For two examples of such systems, see www.abqtransp.org)
Ian, what is now on the table is the best shot at not making a bigger mistake. The streetcar makes sense and is a good bet. Jim, you are right about the chances with the Albuquerque Journal trying to hatchet the project. It isn't controversial until they ask Mr. Out-of-State-Think-Tank guy what his rich bosses think. I think this can pass if the progressives get out and talk to the moderates on this one.
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