Rail line linking valley, lakefront proposed.

Does newly elected Milwaukee Alderman Bob Bauman read Brewtown Politico? A week after I lamented what seemed to be the inevitable death of rail transit in this town, Bauman has proposed a light rail system linking the lakefront and downtown with the Menomonee Valley and Miller Park.

Bauman is a longtime transit advocate who has fought for years for a rail transit system in Milwaukee. The Metro Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Mayor Tom Barrett are open to studying the idea. Predictably, Milwaukee County Executive and Marquette dropout Scott Walker remains staunchly opposed to the idea. Bauman says he'll seek private financing, but that likely won't change the minds of guys like Walker. They oppose it not only because of the cost, but because they simply don't understand the benefits that rail transit provides (reduced dependence on the freeway system, economic development, and increased tourism to name a few). Perhaps they should take the time to visit a few of the 20 American cities that have light rail systems in place. Maybe they'd learn something.

I remain cynical on the chances of the system happening given the current political climate, but I'm encouraged that leaders like Bauman have the guts to keep the debate alive.