BOISE - It's a $60,000,000 project. And if passed, supporters like Kris Howerton say you'll have easier transportation access downtown.

"More public transit would be better in the long run," Howerton said.

But some taxpayers like Danny Homer aren't ready to trade in the old for the new.

"I really think we shouldn't be paying extra money right now, especially with the economy," Homer said. "And I think we could really improve our bus system."

With the Boise City Council election right around the corner, candidate Dave Litster is bringing the streetcar possibility to the front lines.
He's organizing a petition drive to bring the issue to a special vote.

"For something this large and this costly and this ridiculous, as far as I'm concerned, put it to the vote of the people," Litster said. "Let them decide."

Here's the idea behind the plan, rails with an electric streetcar could replace buses between 15th and 1st, along Idaho St. and Main St., downtown.

Candidate Litster says it'll cost $2,000,000 a year to operate, along with a $20,000,000 property tax increase.

However, his opponent, TJ Thomson, says the special vote is too expensive and too premature.

"Do we need a special election? I think there's better ways to spend tax payer dollars," Thomson said. "They cost thousands and thousands of dollars."

And with money tight everywhere these days, both candidates say they want to make sure the dollars are transported to the places that need them the most.

Litster needs about 6,500 signatures from registered voters for his petition.

But his opponent says we need to give the mayor and city council a chance to research the streetcar, before making a final decision.