Statement on Light Rail

In case you weren’t able to watch the Candidate Forum or reading is easier than watching a video, here is my statement on light Rail from the Candidate Forum hosted by the League of Women Voters MN on July 11th:

I have been talking to people about this project for a long time. I have heard the concerns, many of which are completely valid. I want to make sure those concerns get addressed. We’re 20+ years into this project, and four years since the modification to Bottineau Blvd. The truth is, it’s highly likely this project gets built. There is a vote on municipal consent coming up, but there isn’t an option where our city council can vote to stop it. Voting no on consent requires that we offer amendments to the current project. Amendments like elevating light rail across 42nd Ave and making changes to the proposed stations. I have a plan to make those amendments and fight for our community. It’s like ordering a burger, you can choose your toppings. But if you ask for chicken nuggets, you’re not ordering a burger anymore, it’s a different meal. Asking for Bus Rapid Transit means Robbinsdale will have no say in how this project gets built. Not because it’s a bad idea, but because it’s not an amendment. It’s a totally different project. I will vote no for municipal consent and make sure we have a say in how this project is built in Robbinsdale.