Trainplotting

If Scottsdale had tried to introduce a caveat similar to Phoenix's, which states that ". . . the construction of any rail would begin only after full citizens' participation and review . . . and a public vote by the City Council," White says, she would have again ridden into battle.

White says Phoenix, with its nine-member council, is "five votes away from having that promise [about rail] broken."

Manning acknowledges that the rail promise essentially is nonbinding, and that there's nothing to prevent the next council from laying track almost immediately if Phoenix voters approve the tax.

But, she adds:
"I would think that if a council member was interested in holding on to his or her seat, they would respect the agreement."

That statement draws a laugh from White.
"I've seen this crowd in action before," she says, "and they will say anything to get their hands on this money.