OK. Let's Talk Streetcar

I attended the City Council meeting last night for the main purpose of listening to the streetcar debate first-hand. It was about what I expected to hear, considering the makeup of the Council, but troubling, reckless, and a misguided Olympic-sized leap in the wrong direction.

Let's go over some things I jotted down from the presentation:

- The $25 million federal grant cannot be used for planning or design. It can be used for construction, right-of-way, and vehicles. However, the project must enter construction within 18 months. Thus, you get the 3-year figure from the Observer article.

- The total project cost is $37 million. On top of that, there is an annual operating cost of $1.5 million. that's assuming, of course, the project is on budget. How often does that happen? If you need an example, we just opened a light rail line in 2007 that came in over 200% of the projected cost.

- The ridership numbers are awfully low, the presentation stated it was 950 per day. Warren Cooksey pointed this out and I think it gave most sane audience members pause.

- No savings on CATS routes #7, #9, or the Gold Rush Red. So the streetcar is not replacing anything. Don't worry, it gets better...

- CATS currently has the Gamerco cars to use, the newer Siemens cars would be $8 million to buy new. Looks like CATS is using the ones already in existence.

- $12 million in local money is being used to fund the project, taken from 4 different city sources. The $1.5 million will come from the general fund starting in fiscal year 2013.

Susan Burgess delivered this gem, saying "we can afford this!" referring to the $12 million. Not that she would answer the question of what that $12 million could've been used for that would really help the area like fixing potholes, finishing backed up sidewalk projects, or keeping the integrity of the comprehensive transportation plan intact without pitting the Northeast Rail Line and the commuter North Line against each other.

Another bonus was State Senator Malcolm Graham attending and talking about the benefits of this thing, small wonder of course since he was on the streetcar committee and just so happened to advocate this plan, which takes the state money out of the equation and puts a bigger burden on the city government. The rail funding plan - 50% federal, 25% from the state and 25% from the city is now 2/3rds federal and 1/3 local. Anthony Foxx actually said this means for dollar we contribute, the federal government is contributing 2. Well, DUH. Foxx was playing this off as a good thing, when it is anything but. The state has no money, the federal government has no money, and apparently the city has $12 million sitting around that has to be spent on something.

The acceleration of the streetcar is, primarily, the City Council delivering on the Foxx campaign platform. While it's intended to build the eastern and western sides of the city, the only thing being paid for right now is still uptown as it stretches from the Transportation Center to Presbyterian Hospital. THAT'S THE ONLY THING BEING PAID FOR!

3 years out, let's assume that somehow everything has gone according to plan. Like Hillary Clinton, suspend your disbelief for a minute and follow me. 3 years from now, the debate will rage about whether to continue going west towards Beatties Ford, or bring the line to Cental Avenue and Eastland Mall. How are we going to solve this one, guys? There is no guarantee of a federal or even a state grant or funding source to pay for the next leg. At this point, we've spent the last 3 years elevating this project above a new rail line. The Northeast Line, which should be in the well into development, has not started. The city is divided and we have no direction or leadership. What was once a comprehensive plan is in tatters.

Is this what we want for Charlotte? A streetcar that doesn't replace anything and isn't funded beyond the 1.5 miles? We're going to feel this decision for a long time to come.

The New City Council

Will be sworn in tonight. Joy. As I posted on my Facebook today, "Fitting that the NASCAR Hall of Fame will open next year and the Charlotte City Council will be a lot of turns to the left after tonight."

That's the sad reality we're faced with today. Gone from the City Council are Pat McCrory and John Lassiter, men that have been excellent public servants and have helped make this city what it is today. In their stead now will be Anthony Foxx, the returning Patrick Cannon, and David Howard. All 3 liberals that now give Democrats a disappointing 8 seats on the 11-person Council.

Charlotte, we're in trouble. We need Edwin Peacock, Andy Dulin, and Warren Cooksey to be a vocal minority and we need advocacy groups to pressure the Council in to resisting their proclivity for spending other people's money. I'm not ready to jump on board with Meck Deck's Detroit on the Catawba apocalypse just yet, but if we don't make headway in 2011... then 2012 could be the end of Charlotte as we know it today.

#CLTVote: Charlotte General Election TUESDAY

The election for Charlotte's new Mayor will take place Tuesday. Voters will also elect a new City Council and district seats for the School Board. I know I've taken to endorsements in elections, but this time it's going to be different. In interest of full disclosure, I haven't been on the sidelines in this election. I've been an active volunteer for both John Lassiter and Tariq Scott Bokhari for the last month. Obviously, I support both of those candidates wholeheartedly.

To follow the happenings Tuesday, take to Twitter and search for #CLTVote. That will be your best guide throughout the day and then at night as the returns come in.

Zero-Based Budgeting & Charlotte's Upcoming Election

Zero-based budgeting has long been a conservative issue when it comes to government spending. I myself became aware of this through Robert Pittenger, who advocated for zero-based budgeting while in the General Assembly and made it part of his campaign platform for Lt. Governor last year. While not successful, he raised the issue for others to take up as well.

Two candidates for Charlotte City Council At Large, Tariq Scott Bokhari and Matthew Ridenhour, support zero-based budgeting. Given the amount of money this city currently spends, it is a wise idea and if elected, be sure both of these candidates will work towards implementing this in the future.

A curveball of sorts came a week or so ago, when Democratic Mayoral candidate Anthony Foxx said he would support a zero-based budget review for the city if he becomes Mayor. This was a curveball because it's a traditionally conservative issue and Foxx knew this. In his attempt to look like a candidate that will cut spending, he knew full well calling for this would make some think twice about supporting John Lassiter. However, can you look at Foxx and say he will really be a supporter of this if he becomes Mayor? I don't.

Foxx has been on City Council since 2005 - did he call for zero-based budgeting then? I've looked around, I don't see it. What I see is someone that will say pretty much anything to get elected. Steal an issue to paint yourself as a moderate. Promise things to all parts of the city regardless of necessity or cost. It's quite a contradiction to say you support an idea like zero-based budgeting that is intended to cut government spending, while at the same time go around to different parts of this city and promise them something shiny and new in return for a vote. Anthony Foxx is talking out of both sides of his mouth and more people need to challenge him for doing so.