Chastain’s light rail plan hits a snag

An election on Clay Chastain’s latest light rail initiative may not occur until at least February after it hit a roadblock Thursday in a Kansas City Council committee.

The council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted to hold a hearing on Chastain’s plan on Sept. 22, which in effect kills the rail advocate’s effort to put the issue on the November ballot.

The vote drew an immediate and angry reaction from Chastain, who has put several light rail initiatives on the Kansas City ballot over the years.

“We have a sinking city and a stinking government that doesn’t respect the will of the people,” said Chastain, who had to be gaveled down by committee chairman Russ Johnson after the vote.

Chastain said he is considering going to court if the city doesn’t put his plan on the November ballot.

Chastain, who lives in Virginia, wants voters to approve a 3/8-cent sales tax increase to pay for a $2.5 billion light rail plan, which would rely heavily on money from the state and federal governments, as well as private donations.

City officials are seriously concerned about whether Chastain’s plan is workable and how it might interfere with ongoing efforts to plan a downtown streetcar line and a regional commuter rail system.

City lawyers have already briefed council members about the legal issues related to Chastain’s plan. Johnson said he would ask attorneys to draft a memo that can be shared with the light rail petitioners.

Johnson said the city can hold Chastain’s petition for 60 days once it has been received. The council would have to act on the measure before the end of this month to get it on the November ballot.

Reading from a prepared statement Thursday morning, Johnson said he wanted to hold a public hearing because of the complexities related to planning light rail.

Johnson said he would allot an hour each to supporters and opponents.

“I want our committee to have the opportunity to make its decision on the initiated ordinance with a good understanding of the facts and issues relating to public transit planning, funding and construction,” he said.

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/08/18/3085416/chastains-light-rail-plan-hits.html#ixzz1VVPhK5re