Statement to the Citizens Task Force on Light Rail

The following is a statement read to the members of the Citizens Light Rail Task Force by Fred Buckley at the January 21st meeting. It is published here in its entirety. Members of the Task Force, I would like to speak this evening about a few things, and I appreciate the opportunity to do so. Over the past almost 6 months, we have gathered for 3 hours a night on average of once every two weeks. We have discussed, argued, disagreed, come to a consensus, and talked at length about light rail in Kansas City. We have done this with the understanding that we were making recommendation to the ATA and City Council, and that they were listening to us. I don’t believe this is happening. We recommended that the city repeal Clay’s plan that the voters approved as long as they were going to place another plan on the ballot at the same time. They didn’t. We recommended that the bus tax renewal and new light rail tax be on the same ballot. This is not going to happen. We are now hearing that the mayor does not want the ATA to run the light rail system if it is approved. Then why is this an ATA committee? We are told that $600 million will build a 12 mile route, and this is on the conservative side. We have a 14 mile or more system. Which part doesn’t get built? According to Jeffery Boothe, we are told we would be more likely to receive federal funding with a regional system; we have dealt with a starter line. If we do just a starter line, and unless the rules change, we won’t have the ridership or density for the expansion to get federal funding. This year alone, before a vote on the 3/8th cent light rail tax will even go to the voters, the city residents will have to renew a 3/8th cent bus tax, which isn’t guaranteed, and learn how much their water and sewer bills will go up because of a $3.5-5.5 billion combined sewer overhaul, all of this before a vote on ANOTHER 3/8th cent sales tax for light rail. Now, I ask you, which is the odd tax out? I am a genuine and staunch supporter of light rail. I have seen its economic development potential, the increased ability to commute, and the joy of being able to get between entertainment districts with ease, but I don’t see this in Kansas City. We have people on this task force that don’t want light rail at all. Why, on a committee that was put together to find a way for light rail to work, do we have people whose purpose is to kill it? I have attended all but one meeting, the 2nd one. I have attended the public hearings, council sessions, and other meeting associated with this process. I want this to happen, but I am upset, discouraged, and frankly embarrassed at the way this is being handled and done. We do not have a voice, and if we do, it is being muffled by those whose say they are trying to put a plan together. I hope that for the sake of Kansas City Light Rail that this committee is around a long time. I believe we can accomplish a lot, but we must be willing to do it ourselves, and not rely on the government to do it for us. The sad part is, that is exactly what we have to do. I would like to propose that we figure out the purpose of light rail in Kansas City before we move on. Then, we need to come up with a regional idea. Not wait for other cities to jump in and support, but draw lines on a map if needed. We need to present a regional solution to the federal government for the federal funding, the first phase being the “starter line.” We need to let the city council, the ATA, and who ever else needs to know, that by not putting both taxes on the same ballot, they are damaging the chances that we’ll ever get light rail in Kansas City. Lastly, we need more citizen leadership from this group, rather than to be consultant guided. I know that together, we can make this happen. Respectfully submitted, Fred C. Buckley III, Kevin Klinkenberg, Derek Ramsay, Airick Leonard West, Chris Sally, and Heidi Pollmann