The most prolific signature gatherer in Kansas City's political history is off to a quick start with his latest effort that focuses on "rapid streetcar expansion"
Despite politicos and media outlets against his light rail effort . . . Mr. Chastain was still able to garner nearly half of the voting public to support his plan.
Now, with his sights set on the future of the streetcar . . . He'll bring more voters to the table than the current expansion effort that is much smaller in scope.
Here's the latest . . .
Clay Chastain: Citizens signing new streetcar initiative right and left because it is the logical next step to improve upon the city's downtown rail line
On a beautiful early Thanksgiving Day citizens were in a good mood and most of the ones I encountered felt even better after they signed the new streectar initiative designed to transform the city's 2.2-mile streetcar line into a more rapid, citywide, and useful rail-based transit system. They understand that the city's 2.2-mile downtown streetcar is a nice beginning but that it has very little transit value and must be expanded. I believe voters will see the new streetcar initiative as the next logical step forward.
What most voters have yet to realize is that a convenient, efficient and sustainable citywide streectar system can also become a major new selling point for Kansas City and a productive infratructure mechanism to generate new investment, jobs, economic development and population growth.
But hold your horses. There is a competing streetcar plan backed by the Regional Transit Alliance (RTA) that proposes extending the downtown line to the Plaza / UMKC and continue operating streectars as a slow moving, too often stopping rail system that operates in traffic like they did 70-years ago. Not the smartest plan, and the very reason why this new streetcar initiative exists.
Here are 5 solid reasons why the new streetcar petition plan ($1.2 billion, 28-mile, streectar & auxiliary electric bus system) is far superior to the RTA's streectar plan and thus deserves community support and voter preference...
1. It creates innovative conditions which allow the streetcars to operate at greater speeds, make better time and travel on more attractive "transit greenways" separated from traffic.
2. It is citywide and thus far more useful to more people, especially those that need better transit service.
3. It has a far better chance of securing federal matching funds because it proposes a far more comprehensive system.
4. It will be an economic driver across the entire city (including the eastside where they desperately need new infrastructure investment) and not just in the downtown corridor.
5.. It will be placed before citywide voters and not forced uopn the people via another Jerrymandered and restricted election scheme concocted by the leadership of the RTA.
In other words, the new streetcar initiative is the right plan done the right way.
So if you're for a "more livable, sustainable and transit-oriented Kansas City" you will be for the new streetcar initiative.
Clay Chastain...KC Community Activist
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