We can only hope

The Star Tribune thinks the unthinkable:

The decision to delay the Twin Cities’ biggest light-rail project drew protests and warnings Wednesday from two policymakers who have been closely involved in planning the line.

They objected to postponing a crucial vote on whether to build two tunnels as part of the Southwest Corridor line that will connect Minneapolis with Eden Prairie and southwestern suburbs. The delay of as much as three months is intended to give planners time to build support for the tunnels in Minneapolis, where some officials and residents fear disruption to a neighborhood and a recreation area.

“This is going to be a huge setback,” said Steve Elkins, a member of the Metropolitan Council, the agency overseeing the project.

“A delay means that the project could be at risk,” said Council Member Jennifer Munt. “Does this derail the project?”

Elkins and Munt fear the delay could cost the $1.55 billion project its best chance to win needed federal funding.

A few thoughts:

• "Federal funding" means having someone from Fort Wayne, or Topeka, or Bend, or Albuquerque, fund this boondoggle. The feds can spend the money, but they don't really have it. We took a wrong turn at Albuquerque a long time ago.
• The whole fight is about NIMBYism. Hooray for NIMBYism in this case.

Of course, the real fear is buried further in the article. Allow Met Council member Jennifer Munt to explain:

After the meeting, Munt labeled opposition from some Minneapolis City Council members “inflammatory campaign rhetoric” and predicted it would die down after the Nov. 5 election for mayor and council.

“We did have a path forward and it was a sweet spot after the election and before year’s end, because we’re talking with city councilors who understand the issue,” she said. “I believe we had a shot.”

But the delay in approving a plan could push the process for seeking municipal consent into 2014, putting it in front of new city councils and potentially leading to further delays.

See, you can't let voters have the chance to put potentially less pliable politicians in office. Of course, Munt doesn't have to face any voters, since the Met Council is unelected.