CINCINNATI, Ohio - An already heated November ballot issue campaign could derail plans for a Cincinnati streetcar system.

Those behind a proposed city charter amendment want to stop a proposed $185 million streetcar plan. They dismiss claims that streetcars would boost the ailing local economy, calling the idea a bad one as city layoffs loom.

Opponents of the amendment note that it requires public votes on all passenger-rail plans. They say that could leave Cincinnati out of competition for state and federal funding.

The issue also could put the brakes on Cincinnati's involvement in future rail projects across Ohio, meaning the proposed high-speed rail proposed by the federal government could be in jeopardy. Mayor Mark Mallory says passage would end not only the streetcars, but also talk of passenger rail through Dayton to Columbus and Cleveland.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.