Sen. Dockery to Rick Scott: listen to the people, not just lobbyists, on SunRail

This is what I recieve in email...  I will post my views at the end.

Sen. Paula Dockery is still taking aim at what she says is the boondoggle of Central Florida commuter rail, SunRail and she's prevailing on Gov. Rick Scott to get in touch with the grassroots to kill the deal. Her letter:

Dear Governor Scott,

Some individuals from Central Florida have launched a well-funded  lobbying campaign aimed at pushing forward the SunRail Freight/Commuter Rail project. I’m aware that you’ve held meetings with the proponents of this Freight/Commuter project that will be heavily funded by Florida’s taxpayers.

As you know, I was an ardent supporter of the High Speed Rail (HSR) project. I know that during that decision making process you met with the opponents of that project, and you ultimately decided to end HSR in Florida. The three reasons you gave were:

First – capital cost overruns;

Second – ridership and revenue projections are historically overly-optimistic and would likely result in ongoing subsidies that state taxpayers would have to incur; and

Finally – if the project becomes too costly for taxpayers and is shut down, the taxpayers will have to repay federal money.

As we move forward, and in an effort to make future strategic transportation decisions, I respectfully request that you agree to a meeting with local government officials and constituents from Central Florida who are opposed to the SunRail project. I know that they share my grave concerns regarding this project. Among those concerns:

*the exorbitant cost which will result in increased taxes at the local level;

*no guarantee of the federal money, which is a very small percentage of the overall project cost;
the low ridership projections for trains that will not go to the airport, Disney World, University of

Central Florida, or International Drive;

*and the egregious liability provisions that will put the taxpayers of the State of Florida on the hook for the negligence of a for-profit corporation in the event of an incident involving freight/commuter trains, even if the freight operator is negligent.

These taxpayers deserve an opportunity to express their concerns to you, even though they do not have the money to pay for an ad campaign or employ an army of lobbyists. They have been unable to get an audience with you. I am asking that you hear the other side of the issue as all Floridians will be better served if you have the facts prior to taking any action.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. I look forward to hearing from you.

 Warm regards,

Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2011/05/sen-dockery-to-rick-scott-listen-to-the-people-not-just-lobbyists-on-sunrail.html#ixzz1LEc25UOV

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My Views:

1) Cost overruns.  They only get 10% If they go over that then its out of THEIR Pockets.   If they can’t or wont then state should seize their property.  Prices have gone DOWN!  Hello!  The longer we wait the higher the price.  Simple.  You’re costing us money.


2) Ridership- Legitimate. Sort of.  Do they not know where this is being built?  ORLANDO FL?  We have tourist from all over and many of them come from countries where their people PREFER Public transportation.  (Much Better than our in the USA)  Buses will run from resorts to train.  People like to explore and this will be a benefit to them.  With Gas Prices going up to (First Born Child with an option on 2nd)  Plus 1/2 of Minimum wage  hourly rate.  What’s Min Wage $8 Gas is about $4 right now and it may go up to $8.  Its getting to the point Americans have to work all 40 hours a week to keep gas in the car.  Screw the home payment.  Rail Fairs would and probably cheaper than gas? (Dual Middle Fingers to Big Oil) That’s incentive for more riders.  AND they spend less time on buses.

3) To Costly?  Thought we cover part of that in 1.  Oh well, High gas prices and EXTREAMLY HIGH Tourist and out of Towner’s using the rail and oh yea ever going gas prices I don’t see it not working.  Since it is being built on existing rails and it fails do we dig those up so we have no trains?  dOES NOT COMPUTE! Since it is being funded by Federal Grants lets cover that.  Grants do not have to be paid back.  Money is already there and set aside for project.  Lets review...Grants don’t have to be paid back.  Where is the repercussions McFly?  Hello?

I am for Public transportation.  I use it often....when I am in other cities.  Orlando Public Transportation is slow.  High Speed Rail....High speed.  Likes like going from Dial up to Cable.  And less traffic on the roads.  Especially with I-4 Expansion coming...AGAIN!  They have already started that.  You can notice Many empty building or vacant lots next to I-4.  That Mound at I-4 and Maitland?  That will be part of the Future Expansion.  I knew you were wondering what that was for. 

This city has to grow.  It is a world destination.  It will be the First City to recover from this Global Recession. People want to come here.  Instead of being reactive we Orlandoians need to be Proactive and plan DECADES ahead.  We can do that to some extent.  And if we Grow faster than expected then we can adjust with minimal cost.  The parks need to work with Florida DOT on this.



We need High SPEED Rail.  10 Years ago.   The current times would be a benifit to building it and we have to ACT NOW!