November 9, 201014 yr http://chicagobreakingbusiness.com/2010/11/lahood-tells-wisconsin-governor-elect-to-stop-opposing-rail-project.html Illinois, other states happy to take rail money By Associated Press Posted today at 2:46 p.m. Wisconsin governor-elect Scott Walker speaks to reporters Nov. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer) High-speed rail projects in Wisconsin and Ohio appear close to derailment, with Wisconsin’s outgoing governor saying Monday he’ll leave the future of his state’s project to his Republican successor, who has vowed to kill it, and Ohio’s incoming governor saying again he plans scrap his state’s project......
November 9, 201014 yr This letter dated Nov. 9, 2010 from USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood to Gov.-elect John Kasich.... http://freepdfhosting.com/37ba48ffbe.pdf It's a very tactful letter that makes a lot of good points, but I can tell that LaHood is just begging to say to Kasich, "you sir, are a complete dipshit."
November 10, 201014 yr It's a very tactful letter that makes a lot of good points, but I can tell that LaHood is just begging to say to Kasich, "you sir, are a complete dipsh!t." The were both GOP congressmen at the same time, including many years when the GOP had a majority. But just because they hailed from the same party didn't mean they saw eye-to-eye on certain things -- transportation being just one issue. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 10, 201014 yr The argument that favors the rail is clearly unarguable. If we had a media that delivered the FACTS...instead of one that alters the facts to fit personal opinions...we might have a more informed public. The truth needs to prevail. Kasich is denying this state so much, but too bad the sheep he led to slaughter are too jaded to see how they've been played on this one.
November 10, 201014 yr At least we can pester his staffers with the truth http://www.kasichforohio.com/site/c.hpIJKWOCJqG/b.5207517/k.2A93/Contact_Us/apps/ka/ct/contactus.asp *along with our utter disgust at the governor elect's intelligence. **funny it seems that NY will take our money (since its already allocated for rail this is easier- less committees less votes- than switching it to highway spending or to a "deficit offset" (whatever that BS is). I say NY will take it bc they are outspoken about wanting it http://www.infrastructurist.com/2010/11/08/the-northeast-continues-to-push-rail-projects/ and because the prospective chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure John Mica favors North East rail investments. http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2010/11/04/understanding-representative-john-micas-transportation-agenda/ ***On a side note since 3C goes through the entire state Kasich has a lot of control over the project. But what are the prospects of Cincinnati and Chicago rail advocates pushing the Cincy to Indy to Chicago HSR separately as it would only enter Hamilton County (maybe Butler too). Could the line be pushed by the Ham County Commissioners etc without Kasich approval?
November 10, 201014 yr Indeed, how backwoods...bass akwards.... and embarrassing for Ohio on a national level to forfeit the funds. How Heeee Haaawww!!! Its like Ed McMahon showing up at your door with the winnings for Publishers Clearing House and you say... Naaaahhh... I don't want it. My God man....this good 'ole boy's thinking is so far behind he thinks its first! (Sigh!) Would a letter writing campaign really work? I mean this guy, IMO, simply wants to "BE right"...rather than do what is right. Maybe he wants to outsource more jobs to China.... I wonder how much money he may have somehow received from China and/or India. The decision to not get Ohio on board with this just does not add up no matter what party, or bastardization of that party, one affiliates ones self with. Maybe his staffers need to skim through this thread.
November 10, 201014 yr Indeed, how backwoods...bass akwards.... and embarrassing for Ohio on a national level to forfeit the funds. How Heeee Haaawww!!! Its like Ed McMahon showing up at your door with the winnings for Publishers Clearing House and you say... Naaaahhh... I don't want it. My God man....this good 'ole boy's thinking is so far behind he thinks its first! (Sigh!) Would a letter writing campaign really work? I mean this guy, IMO, simply wants to "BE right"...rather than do what is right. Maybe he wants to outsource more jobs to China.... I wonder how much money he may have somehow received from China and/or India. The decision to not get Ohio on board with this just does not add up no matter what party, or bastardization of that party, one affiliates ones self with. Maybe his staffers need to skim through this thread. I think one would be trying to convince a man who is blinded to any reason or logic.
November 10, 201014 yr Ohio forfeits $400 million if rail project is canceled Wednesday, November 10, 2010 02:58 AM By Mark Niquette THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHoodPresident Barack Obama's administration made it official yesterday: If Gov.-elect John Kasich doesn't want to use $400 million in federal stimulus money allocated for a high-speed passenger rail system, it can't be used for anything else and Ohio will lose the money. Responding to a letter that Kasich sent Monday to Obama, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood sent Kasich a letter yesterday making that position clear. LaHood is a Republican who served in Congress with Kasich. "I wanted to let you know that none of these funds may be used for anything other than our High-Speed Rail Program," LaHood wrote. Full story at: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/11/10/ohio-forfeits-400-million-if-rail-project-is-canceled.html?sid=101
November 10, 201014 yr Check. Kasich's move... He's not even in office yet and he's making himself look great, isn't he?
November 10, 201014 yr We will see if Kasich (pronounced kay'-sick) has such a big ego that he won't reverse his campaign position and allow 3-C to proceed.
November 10, 201014 yr Ohio forfeits $400 million if rail project is canceled Wednesday, November 10, 2010 02:58 AM By Mark Niquette THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHoodPresident Barack Obama's administration made it official yesterday: If Gov.-elect John Kasich doesn't want to use $400 million in federal stimulus money allocated for a high-speed passenger rail system, it can't be used for anything else and Ohio will lose the money. Responding to a letter that Kasich sent Monday to Obama, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood sent Kasich a letter yesterday making that position clear. LaHood is a Republican who served in Congress with Kasich. "I wanted to let you know that none of these funds may be used for anything other than our High-Speed Rail Program," LaHood wrote. Full story at: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/11/10/ohio-forfeits-400-million-if-rail-project-is-canceled.html?sid=101 Was Kasich even trying to doing anything else with that money (highways, etc.)? I was under the impression that his intention was just to turn the money away. I hope this will change his mind, but I don't expect that it will.
November 10, 201014 yr Was Kasich even trying to doing anything else with that money (highways, etc.)? I was under the impression that his intention was just to turn the money away. I hope this will change his mind, but I don't expect that it will. From Kasich's letter to Obama: Passenger rail is not Ohio’s most pressing infrastructure concern at this time. Instead, Ohio’s existing freight rail and highway transportation infrastructure has significant upgrades needs. Therefore, I request that you make provisions for the $400 million to be used to support other vital transportation infrastructure projects in Ohio. In the event that you cannot accede to my request, I ask that you take no actions to spend the funds allocated to Ohio so that these funds can go toward reducing the federal government’s $1.4 trillion deficit.
November 10, 201014 yr Was Kasich even trying to doing anything else with that money (highways, etc.)? I was under the impression that his intention was just to turn the money away. I hope this will change his mind, but I don't expect that it will. Multiple articles and the letter from Secretary Lahood responding to Kasich say that he was asking to repurpose the funds for roads and freight rail.
November 10, 201014 yr Ohio forfeits $400 million if rail project is canceled Wednesday, November 10, 2010 02:58 AM By Mark Niquette THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHoodPresident Barack Obama's administration made it official yesterday: If Gov.-elect John Kasich doesn't want to use $400 million in federal stimulus money allocated for a high-speed passenger rail system, it can't be used for anything else and Ohio will lose the money. Responding to a letter that Kasich sent Monday to Obama, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood sent Kasich a letter yesterday making that position clear. LaHood is a Republican who served in Congress with Kasich. "I wanted to let you know that none of these funds may be used for anything other than our High-Speed Rail Program," LaHood wrote. Full story at: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/11/10/ohio-forfeits-400-million-if-rail-project-is-canceled.html?sid=101 Was Kasich even trying to doing anything else with that money (highways, etc.)? I was under the impression that his intention was just to turn the money away. I hope this will change his mind, but I don't expect that it will. He stated numerous times during his campaign and after the election that the money should be used for highways and other transportation projects. My question (rhetorical) is this: After having spent multiple terms in Congress, how could he not know that federal grant rule prohibit grant dollars from being spent on anything other than the project for which the dollars are granted? Don't hold your breath for him to undergo some revelation and change his mind.
November 10, 201014 yr Ohio forfeits $400 million if rail project is canceled Wednesday, November 10, 2010 02:58 AM By Mark Niquette THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHoodPresident Barack Obama's administration made it official yesterday: If Gov.-elect John Kasich doesn't want to use $400 million in federal stimulus money allocated for a high-speed passenger rail system, it can't be used for anything else and Ohio will lose the money. Responding to a letter that Kasich sent Monday to Obama, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood sent Kasich a letter yesterday making that position clear. LaHood is a Republican who served in Congress with Kasich. "I wanted to let you know that none of these funds may be used for anything other than our High-Speed Rail Program," LaHood wrote. Full story at: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/11/10/ohio-forfeits-400-million-if-rail-project-is-canceled.html?sid=101 Did anyone notice that this article wasn't written by James Nash? Hmmm...
November 10, 201014 yr He stated numerous times during his campaign and after the election that the money should be used for highways and other transportation projects. My question (rhetorical) is this: After having spent multiple terms in Congress, how could he not know that federal grant rule prohibit grant dollars from being spent on anything other than the project for which the dollars are granted? There's only two options. One being that he is stupid, which I really doubt. The other being that he was being disingenuous with the voters, which one would hope not to be that case. Either way, we're screwed.
November 10, 201014 yr Cross-posted from the "What other states are doing" thread..... BTW, someone reminded me of this tale from recent Florida history this morning, and why we should not despair even if Kasich pulls the plug on 3C... His (Kasich's) letter to outgoing Governor Strickland sounds like the same kind of attitude Jeb Bush took in Florida in 1998 when he unilatraly discontinued the FOX (Florida Overland Express high-speed rail) project (including $70 million per year in state funds set aside for it), and then borrowed oodles of money to build dozens of miles of new Florida toll miles. The toll roads were all built lickety-split without an environmental impact report and hurt Florida's agriculture industry. Now Florida is building high-speed rail, again. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 10, 201014 yr Gotta love another Spinelli story. ***WARNING! Only click this link if you are going to post a comment!*** http://www.examiner.com/government-in-columbus/lahood-to-kasich-high-speed-train-funds-only-for-ohio-s-slow-speed-3c-train LaHood to Kasich: high-speed train funds only for Ohio's slow-speed 3C train November 10th, 2010 2:38 am ET By John Michael Sp..., Columbus Government Examiner COLUMBUS, Ohio (CGE) - In a letter Tuesday addressed to Republican Governor-elect John Kasich, President Obama's director of transportation, Ray LaHood, told Ohio's new governor that none of the $400 million awarded to Ohio out of the $8 billion dedicated to high-speed rail (HSR) projects across the nation could be spent for anything other than high-speed rail. Kasich, who a week ago won 62 of Ohio's 88 counties to limit incumbent Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland to one-term, sent a letter Monday to President Obama requesting Ohio's funds be re-directed to more pressing state infrastructure needs like upgrades to freight rail, roads and bridges, or to reducing the federal deficit if the funds could not be redicted to any infrastructure project other than the 260-mile 3C rail route that would connect Ohio's three largest cities.
November 10, 201014 yr Gotta love another Spinelli story. http://www.examiner.com/government-in-columbus/lahood-to-kasich-high-speed-train-funds-only-for-ohio-s-slow-speed-3c-train?render=print LaHood to Kasich: high-speed train funds only for Ohio's slow-speed 3C train November 10th, 2010 2:38 am ET By John Michael Sp..., Columbus Government Examiner COLUMBUS, Ohio (CGE) - In a letter Tuesday addressed to Republican Governor-elect John Kasich, President Obama's director of transportation, Ray LaHood, told Ohio's new governor that none of the $400 million awarded to Ohio out of the $8 billion dedicated to high-speed rail (HSR) projects across the nation could be spent for anything other than high-speed rail. Kasich, who a week ago won 62 of Ohio's 88 counties to limit incumbent Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland to one-term, sent a letter Monday to President Obama requesting Ohio's funds be re-directed to more pressing state infrastructure needs like upgrades to freight rail, roads and bridges, or to reducing the federal deficit if the funds could not be redicted to any infrastructure project other than the 260-mile 3C rail route that would connect Ohio's three largest cities. Why even post this drivel? BTW: He gets paid for every "hit" his stories record (that's how the Examiner pays its writers), so the best way to make him go away is not to click on his stories.
November 10, 201014 yr BTW: He gets paid for every "hit" his stories record (that's how the Examiner pays its writers), so the best way to make him go away is not to click on his stories. I did not know that. Thanks. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 10, 201014 yr Here is an idea... All who support rail.. Attention.. Time for a mass exodus out of Ohio and spend our lives money elsewhere....and be sure to send letters to Johnny boy telling him why we're leaving....Oh, and maybe some of us can even work in the newly created jobs in the rail industry. Afterall, we know how passionate he is on keeping people HERE to achieve their dreams and in creating jobs for Ohio. Seriously, all things considered... Has any of this information really reached his office? I cannot imagine that all who are pro rail here can stand for this. Surely this scenario must have been anticipated and a back up plan in the hat?
November 10, 201014 yr I wonder if the feds aren't doing these projects a disservice by using the "high-speed" nomenclature for lower-speed projects. It sounds all well and good, but it isn't accurate, and people know that. Plus it opens the door for an easy jab by political opponents. If they called it "upgradeable" or something similar, that would get the point I think they are trying to make over better, IMO.
November 10, 201014 yr It's too bad that Ohio can't re-direct the $$ to the region of the state that has supported rail for decades. A Cleveland to Sandusky line (with stops in the growing western 'burbs) would probably survive without government subsidies within a few years. Or maybe use it to beef up the Chicago-Cleveland-East Coast line, turn it into a true hi-speed line, it would be awesome to go from Cleveland to Chicago or D.C. in two hours, or Cleveland to NYC in 3 hours.
November 10, 201014 yr ^No, it's the anti-Democrats (sometimes referred to as the Republicans) who are doing the disservice by lying to their constituents. The LaHood letter to Kasich tells half the story- $900+ million spent on road infrastructure v. $400 million for rail infrastructure. The seperate ODOT operating budget tells the rest of the story. Those are facts, unopen to interpretation, unlike what one means by "high-speed".
November 10, 201014 yr Gotta love another Spinelli story. http://www.examiner.com/government-in-columbus/lahood-to-kasich-high-speed-train-funds-only-for-ohio-s-slow-speed-3c-train?render=print LaHood to Kasich: high-speed train funds only for Ohio's slow-speed 3C train November 10th, 2010 2:38 am ET By John Michael Sp..., Columbus Government Examiner COLUMBUS, Ohio (CGE) - In a letter Tuesday addressed to Republican Governor-elect John Kasich, President Obama's director of transportation, Ray LaHood, told Ohio's new governor that none of the $400 million awarded to Ohio out of the $8 billion dedicated to high-speed rail (HSR) projects across the nation could be spent for anything other than high-speed rail. Kasich, who a week ago won 62 of Ohio's 88 counties to limit incumbent Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland to one-term, sent a letter Monday to President Obama requesting Ohio's funds be re-directed to more pressing state infrastructure needs like upgrades to freight rail, roads and bridges, or to reducing the federal deficit if the funds could not be redicted to any infrastructure project other than the 260-mile 3C rail route that would connect Ohio's three largest cities. Why even post this drivel? BTW: He gets paid for every "hit" his stories record (that's how the Examiner pays its writers), so the best way to make him go away is not to click on his stories. I figured it might be a chance for people here to refute his article in the comments. Thanks for the heads up on the pay scheme, I had no idea. Also, I accidentally linked to the printable version, here's the web one, ***WARNING! Only click this link if you are going to post a comment!*** http://www.examiner.com/government-in-columbus/lahood-to-kasich-high-speed-train-funds-only-for-ohio-s-slow-speed-3c-train
November 10, 201014 yr ^No, it's the anti-Democrats (sometimes referred to as the Republicans) who are doing the disservice by lying to their constituents. The LaHood letter to Kasich tells half the story- $900+ million spent on road infrastructure v. $400 million for rail infrastructure. The seperate ODOT operating budget tells the rest of the story. Those are facts, unopen to interpretation, unlike what one means by "high-speed". I agree that the Republican position is worse. Kasich including using the money on highways in his campaign platform was absolutely repugnant. It's one thing to use inflated language or make ambitious promises; it's another to insult voters by essentially spreading misinformation with an obviously impossible campaign promise. However, I was wondering -- and I really was wondering -- if the public wouldn't be served better by talking about projects like 3C with language that is a bit more apt. It seems to me to be useful on the national (or international) level, but detrimental to local support. If people in Idaho or Taiwan think Ohio is getting a high-speed train, that looks good for Obama. Almost no one outside Ohio gives two sh!ts how fast the train will go (until maybe they are passing through, but then it's too late). Playing fast and loose with language for political gains may be contributing to the project not getting built. That, of course, doesn't mean there is a reasonable argument not to build it.
November 10, 201014 yr Also, I accidentally linked to the printable version, here's the web one, In light of the pay-per-click scheme, why don't you go ahead and remove both links?
November 10, 201014 yr Seriously, all things considered... Has any of this information really reached his office? I cannot imagine that all who are pro rail here can stand for this. Surely this scenario must have been anticipated and a back up plan in the hat? Yes, it has. Many have written to him. Many more need to. Problem is, Kasich is so invested in his position now that he may not be able to backpedal out of it. Not very smart for any politician. I remain hopeful that he will support 3C as a freight project (Two-thirds of the $400 million would go to improve rail freight infrastructure and grade crossing safety, according to the Tier I assessment) and relegate passenger rail as a footnote. Ironically, if this were a true HSR project like what California and Florida are pursuing, virtually none of the investment would have freight rail benefits. If Kasich pulls the plug on the existing funding, then the consultants that won the contracts may file suit, as Kasich alluded to in his letter. He did so because he rightfully fears that the state could end up losing while spending more money in legal fees than for consulting fees. While the Ohio DOT has submitted no other passenger rail funding applications since the initial request for proposals from the Federal Railroad Administration in 2009, another state did submit a funding application for an Ohio HSR service that was not awarded. Indiana DOT submitted a $2.8 billion funding request on Oct. 2, 2009 (same deadline day that ODOT submitted its 3C funding application) for Chicago - Ft Wayne - Toledo - Cleveland. Much of the $400 million could be spent within the existing right of way on improvements projects that will benefit existing passenger rail service, so there is no concern for the states to take on new operating subsidies. And these projects could get underway in as little as two months after Indiana DOT gets the funding while it starts planning for the 110 mph service. EDIT... See: http://www.in.gov/indot/files/IN_CHI_CLEV_HSRService_hsiprapptrack2_3.pdf Food for thought. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 10, 201014 yr I wonder if the feds aren't doing these projects a disservice by using the "high-speed" nomenclature for lower-speed projects. It sounds all well and good, but it isn't accurate, and people know that. Plus it opens the door for an easy jab by political opponents. If they called it "upgradeable" or something similar, that would get the point I think they are trying to make over better, IMO. Two ill-defined phrases that came out of the Stimulus Act: "High-Speed" and "Shovel-Ready" Both created openings for critics to create wedge issues .... i.e.: "Governor Strickland's 'slow train'."....(thank Ohio State Senator Shannon Jones and others for that). And few transportation projects...even some as simple as re-paving a road....are ever "shovel ready". The language employed by both the Obama Administration and transportation officials at the state level, though well-intentioned, showed an ignorance of the reality of transportation planning and development. The end result: good intentions played right into the hands of the idealogues and special interests who have historically opposed passenger rail and used their PR machines to purposely frame projects like the 3C Quick Start as "too slow", "boondoggle", etc. That said....here is the Associated Press' wrap-up of some of the above stories: LaHood to GOP governors: No trains, no money THE ASSOCIATED PRESS • November 10, 2010 WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration has a message for Republican governors who campaigned against the president's high-speed rail program: Build the trains or give back the money. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Tuesday rejected a request from Gov.-elect John Kasich in Ohio to use the $400 million in federal funds pledged to that state's train project on other projects like road construction or freight lines. "I would like high-speed rail to be part of Ohio's future," LaHood wrote. But if the state won't go forward, it's necessary "to wind down Ohio's involvement in the project so that we do not waste taxpayers' money," he said. Full story at: http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201011100305
November 10, 201014 yr Yes, it has. Many have written to him. Many more need to. I remain hopeful that he will support 3C as a freight project (Two-thirds of the $400 million would go to improve rail freight infrastructure and grade crossing safety, according to the Tier I assessment) and relegate passenger rail as a footnote. Ironically, if this were a true HSR project like what California and Florida are pursuing, virtually none of the investment would have freight rail benefits. If Kasich pulls the plug on the existing funding, then the consultants that won the contracts may file suit, as Kasich alluded to in his letter. He did so because he rightfully fears that the state could end up losing while spending more money in legal fees than for consulting fees. While the Ohio DOT has submitted no other passenger rail funding applications since the initial request for proposals from the Federal Railroad Administration in 2009, another state did submit a funding application for an Ohio HSR service that was not awarded. Indiana DOT submitted a $2.8 billion funding request on Oct. 2, 2009 (same deadline day that ODOT submitted its 3C funding application) for Chicago - Ft Wayne - Toledo - Cleveland. Much of the $400 million could be spent within the existing right of way on improvements projects that will benefit existing passenger rail service, so there is no concern for the states to take on new operating subsidies. And these projects could get underway in as little as two months after Indiana DOT gets the funding while it starts planning for the 110 mph service. So to clarify, if Ohio accepts the $400 million to upgrade and build infrastructure (including passenger train stations), is it actually obligated to operate service on the 3C line? Kasich could have all this stuff built (generating construction jobs and investing in the freight rail infrastructure that he claims to want for Ohio) but then avoid "subsidizing" the operation of a passenger system. Then, when we get a more progressive state government in the future, it's ready for us to use.
November 10, 201014 yr Was Kasich even trying to doing anything else with that money (highways, etc.)? I was under the impression that his intention was just to turn the money away. I hope this will change his mind, but I don't expect that it will. Multiple articles and the letter from Secretary Lahood responding to Kasich say that he was asking to repurpose the funds for roads and freight rail. Thank you, all, for clearing that up for me. I was under the impression that he was killing this just to kill an "Obama program", not to repurpose the funds.
November 10, 201014 yr Here is an idea... All who support rail.. Attention.. Time for a mass exodus out of Ohio and spend our lives money elsewhere....and be sure to send letters to Johnny boy telling him why we're leaving.... Thats funny EC... i can say for myself that I am moving out of Ohio by the end of the month. To DC (for a job yes but...) NE Corridor here I come. And with Ohio's money heading to NYC I can ride all the way to Canada! *disclaimer___ it is not guaranteed Ohio's money will go to to NY that is pure speculation
November 10, 201014 yr Was Kasich even trying to doing anything else with that money (highways, etc.)? I was under the impression that his intention was just to turn the money away. I hope this will change his mind, but I don't expect that it will. Multiple articles and the letter from Secretary Lahood responding to Kasich say that he was asking to repurpose the funds for roads and freight rail. Thank you, all, for clearing that up for me. I was under the impression that he was killing this just to kill an "Obama program", not to repurpose the funds. No... you had it right. He is a former congressman. He knows, and always did know, that the funds cannot be repurposed. That request was pure subterfuge, designed to provide political cover for him and faux talking points to his supporters.
November 10, 201014 yr Was Kasich even trying to doing anything else with that money (highways, etc.)? I was under the impression that his intention was just to turn the money away. I hope this will change his mind, but I don't expect that it will. Multiple articles and the letter from Secretary Lahood responding to Kasich say that he was asking to repurpose the funds for roads and freight rail. Thank you, all, for clearing that up for me. I was under the impression that he was killing this just to kill an "Obama program", not to repurpose the funds. Your impression was correct, because (unless he's really stupid) he's known all along that repurposing the funds is impossible. Any impression he's given anyone to the contrary has been dirty political posturing.
November 10, 201014 yr Here is an idea... All who support rail.. Attention.. Time for a mass exodus out of Ohio and spend our lives money elsewhere....and be sure to send letters to Johnny boy telling him why we're leaving....Oh, and maybe some of us can even work in the newly created jobs in the rail industry. Afterall, we know how passionate he is on keeping people HERE to achieve their dreams and in creating jobs for Ohio. I'm debating on leaving Ohio. After I left Cincinnati, violent crime has gone down by 23.2%. The only problem is that if I were to leave the entire state, state liquor tax revenue would plummet.
November 10, 201014 yr Was Kasich even trying to doing anything else with that money (highways, etc.)? I was under the impression that his intention was just to turn the money away. I hope this will change his mind, but I don't expect that it will. Multiple articles and the letter from Secretary Lahood responding to Kasich say that he was asking to repurpose the funds for roads and freight rail. Thank you, all, for clearing that up for me. I was under the impression that he was killing this just to kill an "Obama program", not to repurpose the funds. No... you had it right. He is a former congressman. He knows, and always did know, that the funds cannot be repurposed. That request was pure subterfuge, designed to provide political cover for him and faux talking points to his supporters. Which sounds like he is going to use the cover to accept the money. Well at least thats what the optimist in me says.
November 10, 201014 yr ^Doubt it. After all he said about this during the campaign and how adamant he was about it (rightly or wrongly) it would be political suicide to accept the money, especially at the start of his administration (it will be front page news that he was going back on his word and will draw the wrath of the tea baggers...no way to spin it right). The way he will spin it is that he tried to get the $$ for other purposes but the big bad federal government and all the idiots in Washington won't let me.
November 10, 201014 yr I'm not liking all this talk in this thread about moving out of Ohio. We are a swing state, folks. This is what happens. Every few years we have a meltdown of people thinking we are being taken over by rural folk who have no sense of statewide progress. Stay and fight the good fight. For the progress of the entire country, the last thing we need to do is consolidate the population of forward-thinking people on the coasts, thereby dilluting the overal political influence of that group over national policy.... such as a genuine HSR system. Take some pride in the fact that, at least here, you are on the front lines of such battles.
November 10, 201014 yr ^ Well, "All Aboard Ohio" will take on a new meaning. This is the kind of thing that makes me want to just go. But, then we surrender to the lies, on the other hand. As a nation we cannot be a progressive forward thinking nation....with a population of 300 million plus and growing...and have only a handful of progressive cities/states offering the kind of rail services the nation needs. It seems so disproportionate. KJP...you explained things well above. Question though... Do you think it would be a good idea to circulate a petition on behalf of rail supporters and/or ABO.....send all the facts into these new powers? I mean in addition to just writing letters randomly, is there any plan for a counter to this as a group or coalition, or do we just lay down and take this bad medicine? Also...When you mentioned something to the effct that Kasich cannot turn back because he has has too much invested in his stand, or something like that... It reminds me of the Beach Boys song... "Don't Worry Baby" ...the part where the song goes something like... "I can't back down now because I pushed the other guys too far" Is this what it all comes down to? The pride and ego thing?.... Perhaps that he is too spineless to admit he just might be wrong about all this? (however par for the course in the character of those who have hijacked his party posing as "Republicans")One man's ego denies so much for the state. I mean sooner or later the facts really need to surface on all this. Afterall, I don't think Ohioans are really this oblivious.... I just think they are fed with terrible, terrible mis-information. Thoughts?
November 10, 201014 yr If he returns the money, Kasich & Kucinich will have something in common: returning a huge sum of federal funds for a rail project (the Urban Mass Transportation Administration People Mover and Ohio 3-C). Maybe somebody should tell Kasich that liberal Rep. Kucinich is anti-rail and that being anti-rail is a liberal ideal?
November 10, 201014 yr Short but very good editorial in today's Akron Beacon Journal... Off the track What John Kasich overlooks about the money for passenger rail Published on Wednesday, Nov 10, 2010 John Kasich remained in campaign mode with his letter to Ted Strickland this week requesting that the governor ''cancel all contracts relating to your passenger rail program.'' ''Your''? The governor didn't invent this program, though he rightly has embraced the idea. The federal government has been the engine, Ohio serving as a centerpiece of an improved national rail system, more fuel-efficient, faster, cleaner and part of a comprehensive transportation and energy strategy. Full editorial at: http://www.ohio.com/editorial/opinions/107017858.html
November 10, 201014 yr Depending on how things develop in the next couple of months, there should be a movement to hold rallies in the cities along the 3-c route the weekend before Kasich comes into office. I bet there would be a decent turnout if there is a strong facebook campaign. We still don't know what will happen before that but the sooner something like this gets started the bigger it will be.
November 10, 201014 yr I just sent Kasich a nastygram. Made me feel a tiny bit better. Awesome. I think I'm going to as well. Maybe then I won't be such a crab at work as I have been for the past week.
November 10, 201014 yr Just an FYI and totally IMO.... but informed and respectful critiques directed toward Kasich stand a snowball's chance in hell of making an impact. Nastygrams have no chance at all.
November 10, 201014 yr I just sent Kasich a nastygram. Made me feel a tiny bit better. Tell him the same Pacino-inspired quote I told the guy at FAFSA. "Come here and kiss me!" *what?* "I like a little foreplay before I get F-CKED!!"
November 10, 201014 yr Depending on how things develop in the next couple of months, there should be a movement to hold rallies in the cities along the 3-c route the weekend before Kasich comes into office. I bet there would be a decent turnout if there is a strong facebook campaign. We still don't know what will happen before that but the sooner something like this gets started the bigger it will be. Hold hands, "love train" style, along the route. :)
November 10, 201014 yr Just an FYI and totally IMO.... but informed and respectful critiques directed toward Kasich stand a snowball's chance in hell of making an impact. Nastygrams have no chance at all. How about getting down on your knees and begging? :)
November 10, 201014 yr Just an FYI and totally IMO.... but informed and respectful critiques directed toward Kasich stand a snowball's chance in hell of making an impact. Nastygrams have no chance at all. How about getting down on your knees and begging? :) Actually getting down on your knees in front of Kasich might actually sway him.
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