Light Rail. Heavy Price.

I just finished reading Clay Chastain's latest "Course of Action Plan" for light rail which he wants us to pursue. Mr. Chastain has warned the City we cannot deviate from his plan. He's right. Unfortunately he can't seem to heed his own advice. In reference to his assertion that we not have overhead lines, I agree. I find them unsightly. Unfortunately he roped us in to an unknown technology. From the ballot "also including new ground level power supply technology (no overhead wires)". But from his Action Plan, it says "Incorporate the wireless light rail technology into at least the downtown central corridor of the first stage, if possible." We have to follow the ballot language. The law is very specific about that. The ballot says nothing about "where possible." It could be argued that "including" doesn't mean the entire line, but then again, maybe it does. That could cause years of litigation over one word. And what is "new ground level power supply technology"? I've heard he meant the type of third rail power supply currently being implemented with much expense and difficulty in Bordeaux, France. His action plan now calls it "wireless light rail". What the ballot language actually does is limit us to an unspecified system that needs to be at the ground level, needs to be new and needs to supply power. In a classic display of Marketing Myopia, Mr. Chastain has completely eliminated the opportunity to pursue emerging technologies like zero-emission on-board hydrogen fuel cells. At the same time eliminating any opportunites to pursue federal grant dollars for alternative energy uses. This plan is unworkable. Both the ballot initiative and Mr. Chastain's Action Plan. I agree with the public that we should have light rail, but not Mr. Chastain's light rail, gondolas and electric buses. I can only wonder if the current crop of mayoral candidates on the council will be willing to address this, or take the easy route and let it slide to the next council.