Sanders steals Chastain’s thunder

Two days before Clay Chastain‘s light rail campaign kickoff, Jackson County Exec Mike Sanders announced a regional commuter rail plan that would run from Kansas City International Airport to Union Station and the ‘burbs. Hmm. Sounds a bit familiar.

The Kansas City Star breaks down the details of the 144-mile, $1.03 billion plan.

Sanders said the rail plan could be

operational in two years after money becomes available. It would use

diesel-powered commuter railcars that could travel faster and more

cheaply than light rail, which can cost $70 million per mile. Union

Station would be the system’s hub.

The Star managed to avoid any mention of Chastain, whose next attempt begins at Union Station Wednesday at noon.