TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! THE CITY COUNCIL IS HANGING MAYOR FUNKY OUT TO DRY AND FAKING SUPPORT FOR LIGHT RAIL!!!
Today Mayor Funky made a fool of himself North of the River while holding a press conference to support Light Rail.
It's worth repeating the following facts regarding the Mayor's support of the current Light Rail initiative:
But what's even more interesting:
THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE CITY COUNCIL IS AVOIDING PUBLIC ENDORSEMENT OF LIGHT RAIL!!!
In theory and even according to a few documents the City Council supports Light Rail but they aren't making public appearances, they aren't making phone calls and they're doing nothing to rally their constituents to this cause.
Off the record, two City Council folks have noted to TKC:
"Yes, my name is down as a supporter but I haven't found time to go to any of the meetings or press conferences."
Another said:
"It is just not a priority for me right now. My district has bigger issues to address and, frankly, there haven't been many voters encouraging me to take a more active role. In fact, quite the opposite."
Political expediency has kept most of the Council from speaking out against the project but I imagine that the growing opposition to the project is going to inspire some brave Council person to take a gamble and go on record against Light Rail.
MEANWHILE, MAYOR FUNKY IS BETTING IT ALL ON LIGHT RAIL!!!
The sad thing is, there's no real reward if he gambles correctly.
If this Light Rail Initiative passes than Mayor Funky has made a great many fiscally conservative enemies and his reputation as someone who is "smart with the money" has been completely destroyed. Whereas . . . If the Mayor is on the losing side, he has yet again proven that he is essentially powerless in Kansas City politics.
In the coming months I'm guessing that the economy will continue to worsen as dimwits accept the notion that they're buying into the bottom of the market by people eager to sell . . . Still, the Council keeping conspicuously quiet on this one (except for that genius Russ Johnson) is undoubtedly a good political move but doesn't really keep the best interests of Kansas City's pocketbook in mind.
I notice that Russ has been awful quiet lately too.
ReplyDeleteSurely, Bully-boy Rus Johnson isn't backing down. He knows how to intemidate and threaten CEOs and the business elite. He knows how to refuse to answer questions at public meetings. Rus is not giving up. He has more people to threaten and more voters to deceive. No such thing as excessive public expenditure for Rus, the Bully-boy Johnson. And Mayor Funk is just along for the train ride.
ReplyDeleteTwo political candidates were having a hot debate. Finally, one of them jumped up and yelled at the other, "What about the powerful interest that controls you?"
ReplyDeleteAnd the other guy screamed back, "You leave my wife out of this!"
Funkhouser came to a meeting last year is south kc. He claimed that supporters of light rail around the country had a history of promissing more track mileage than actually was delivered; lower cost than what it actually did cost; and more riders than materialized once built. Sounds like he should have been responsible and gone with his first analysis.
ReplyDeleteHe and the council need to state the route in specifics; tell the truth that it is not going to the station; tell the real costs associated with building it. They should tell you that it will tap into general revenues directly and indirectly and PIAC moneys indirectly. That means other capital needs will either not be funded or funded much later. Light rail is not about transportation it is about a fantasy for some elites. It is not about transportation for those who must use public transit. And it doesn't go to the airport.
Finally, it costs 14 million a mile per year to operate.
http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/what_he_said_55
ReplyDeleteWhy are light rail supporters touting every benefit but transit?
ReplyDeleteSo far light rail is supposed to:
Boost the economy.
Create population density.
Bring KC into the 21st century.
It does everything but actually transport people effectively.
I guess we have to depend on the bus to do that.
Funky is F--ked for sure.
ReplyDeleteWhere does Beth stand on light rail?
ReplyDeleteThe question presented by anonymous 6:23 above: "Where does Beth stand on light rail?" She is firm on her position and absolute. Ask her therapist.
ReplyDeleteThis is terrific, Tony.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking of writing the entire council on this, and your post has convinced me to do just that. This weekend.
I'll send you a copy.
Meanwhile: DEEP SIX LIGHT RAIL NOW AND FOREVER!
Wonder what happens when the 1/2-cent tax in NKC fails.
ReplyDeleteDoes the choo-choo train get routed around the entire city?
Citizens Against Virtually Everything speak their mind. If it was up to them the people in Kansas City would be living in caves.
ReplyDeleteSome of the people in Kansas City DESERVE to live in caves...those that would vote for light rail just because it's "cool" for starters.
ReplyDeleteWhat a moronic reason.
p0wned
ReplyDeleteI don't care what you say Tony - I will vote for light rail.
ReplyDeleteProgress. You have to start somewhere - and if Cleaver wouldn't have killed the last light rail attempt we'd be riding it right now.
Besides - Cordish doesn't want it. That's enough for me to vote for it. I'm tired of Kansas City being run by people who don't even live here.
Come on people. We'll never be Portland Oregon without light rail.
ReplyDeleteWhy can't you d-bags see that?
What evidence do you have regarding your comments about Beth?
ReplyDeleteWho wants to be Portland, OR?
ReplyDeleteOther than insecure losers who just have to bring it up ALL THE TIME.
I hope Beth stands in the middle of the rails of Light rail. Maybe she can hold Jan's hand.
ReplyDeleteWhy did the city council put off the ballot issue on the sewer fix until after the light rail vote?
ReplyDeleteWhat did Beth ever do to you, Anon 9:03?
ReplyDelete