Mayor Mark Mallory says if the charter amendment requiring a popular vote to fund the Cincinnati's streetcar project passes, all passenger rail projects in Southwest Ohio are doomed.
At a news briefing Tuesday afternoon, the mayor pointed out that the initiative is worded to include all passenger rail projects, not just the street cars. If the city's involvement in such ventures is delayed for voter approval, he says the federal government simply won't wait, and the money will go elsewhere.
Mallory believes that will include funds for light rail and the proposed high speed train lines connecting Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.
Among other topics he covered Tuesday:
•Why he believes streetcars are vital to Cincinnati's economic future.
•Why he has been quiet about the city's budget process.
