Just as those in favor of light rail have lined up heavy hitters for their cause, so have those against the plan, including a local congressman already known for fighting tax increases.

        In what even he terms an “unusual” move, U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot has agreed to serve as co-chairman of the Alternatives to Light Rail Transit (ALERT) committee.

        “Generally, when it comes to local ballot issues, I try to let the local folks make their own decisions,” said the Westwood Republican. “But half the money that's being talked about here is federal funds and that needs to be defended as well.

        “This is a huge chunk of federal money that could go toward more viable transportation projects than this plan, which I am convinced does not have the benefits that we are being told,” Mr. Chabot said.

        ALERT is fighting the proposed half-cent sales tax levy on the Nov. 5 ballot that would help fund the $2.7 billion MetroMoves plan put forth by Metro, Hamilton County's public bus agency. The plan includes expanded bus service and a light rail plan that would cost about $2.6 billion to build in the county.

        Mr. Chabot joins Hamilton County Auditor Dusty Rhodes, a Democrat, and Hamilton County Commissioner John Dowlin, a Republican, as co-chairs for the committee, which holds its first campaign event today.

        Stephan Louis, ALERT founder, said more elected officials will come out against the plan today. Last week, Let's Get Moving, which is in favor of the tax increase, released its list of co-chairs, including corporate leaders and university presidents.

        “Mr. Chabot gives us the added insight of having seen proposals for these light rail plans from throughout the country, and the disastrous results from all of them,” Mr. Louis said.

        John Schneider, executive co-chair of the pro-light rail campaign, said he wasn't surprised at who has signed up to lead the opposition.

        “They can be statesmen, or they can ensure the money that could be spent here would go to cities such as Dallas, San Diego or St. Louis,” Mr. Schneider said.. “To lead the opposition to a strategy that other cities are following with great success seems to me to be short-sighted.”

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