I’ve been following an upcoming ballot issue in Cincinnati that would require a full election for any passenger rail transportation projects or improvements. Though this may seem like a good idea, the language of the amendment would require a vote for ANY decisions, regardless of where the funding comes from. I agree that a vote would be needed for any projects that would require an increase in taxes, but that is not what this amendment is about at all.

The proponents of Issue 9 seem to be swaying voters to their side by saying that the amendment will help to stop a proposed streetcar line connecting downtown and the University area of Clifton. If the amendment passes a vote would then be required for the streetcar, which will not require a tax increase, as well as any other rail transit opportunities such as the 3C rail system linking Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati. With so much government funding available at this time, it seems crazy that Cincinnati could miss out on so much by not allowing the elected council members to do their jobs. Each time a costly vote is required, the city could be passed over for federal funding and be left stuck in the past.

After living in Denver for nearly three years I am a strong believer in rail transportation. Denver has a very nice light rail network that links downtown to various suburbs and is still growing. The west corridor is currently under construction and there are plans for the system to extend to the airport by 2015. I use the light rail often for commuting to and from work, as well as for heading into the heart of downtown for entertainment. After relying on this system for so long, I would find it very hard to move back to a city that doesn’t have such a system.

I firmly believe that all of those who are voting in Cincinnati next week need to vote no on Issue 9. For additional reading I suggest starting at the Cincinnatians for Progress website, as well as CincyStreetcar Blog, and CincyStreetcar.com.