Actually, I'd call them smart. Mass transit is really great, and light rail is flashy and cool, but it is a REALLY non-cost effective solution. You could build bus-only lanes for a tiny fraction of the cost. MAX is cool, but it is VERY expensive (not even faintly close to paying for itself). Besides, what's the upside for them? Subsidizing the transfer of their shopping dollars to the Oregon side? 'Cause we sure as heck aren't breaking records to go shopping in Vancouver! Rejection of that kind of project is probably why you chose to live in Clark County in the first place (low taxes).