This seems like an excuse for people in Lake Oswego to keep their community isolated. I remember hearing residents of Lake O saying they did not want a street car because it would allow "unwanted elements" easier access to their part of town. This is not about trying to save the city money.
The same argument has been made about the Clackamas MAX Line. And I'm sure there are many who have exactly the attitude that you describe - wanting to keep LO isolated from the rest of us undesirable types.
But, that doesn't change the fact this would have been a huge waste of transportation dollars to benefit very few people.
Instead of easing expansion efforts, it is shocking that the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is shaving from existing service. The PBOT needs to spend money on making more frequent transportation available to the citizens & fire managers who waste tax payers’ money on unnecessary expansions of Streetcars & light rail.
Figures. Doesn't surprise me in the era of "water houses" and "sustainability buildings"
But, that doesn't change the fact this would have been a huge waste of transportation dollars to benefit very few people.