Rick Scott's Argument Pitful and Untrue, Legislature to Sue over High Speed Rail

[FayeforCure]

Courage is to say it like it is.

This is all the media has been able to muster until now:

Q. How could state taxpayers be protected from cost overruns?

A. Rail advocates comprised of local and Washington elected officials are expected to include in their plan legal language in contracts between the newly formed administrative agency and a winning consortium to ensure the project is privatized with Florida taxpayers facing no liabilities.

Winning bidder provide a "surety bond," guaranteeing an insurer would pay for any failure by a private operator. The federal government also could take over as operator if the system failed.

Thus far, Scott has said he is unconvinced state taxpayers would not be on the hook regardless of the plan.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/feb/24/241052/scotts-rail-decision-highlights-conflicting-assump/news-breaking/

Now the media is hiding behind Nelson in calling Scott the LIER that he is ( as if the media couldn't have figured out that Scott was lying!!!!!):

Nelson: Scott’s high-speed argument is ‘pitiful’ and ‘untrue’

Uncategorized â€" posted by aaron deslatte on February, 24 2011 4:51 PM Discuss This: Comments(4) | Add to del.icio.us | Digg it
TALLAHASSEE â€" U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson has penned a lengthy, and scathing, criticism of Gov. Rick Scott now that it’s apparent the Republican governor is determined to block a $2.7 billion high-speed rail project connecting Orlando and Tampa.

The Democratic U.S. senator has tried to sound positive for the last week while rail supporters were hopeful the governor could be convinced to change course. But negotiators trying to persuade Scott conceded defeat Thursday after the governor’s office rejected a proposed agreement structured to absolve the state of any liability for cost overruns, ridership dips or project failure.

“I am disappointed and â€" quite frankly â€" think it pitiful that Scott would turn down $2.4 billion in allocated funding for high-speed rail in the nation’s fourth largest state.  Such a decision will cost Florida 24,000 new jobs and will obstruct economic growth along the I-4 corridor, and eventually all the way from Orlando to Miami,” Nelson wrote.

“For the past week, Scott has cited so-called economic realities that led him to first turn down the money. He claimed Florida taxpayers would be on the hook for possible cost overruns.  He claimed that ridership and revenue projections were overly optimistic.  He claimed the state would have to repay the federal government all of the $2.4 billion, if the project faltered.

“His claims were hasty and ill-informed when he first announced his decision a week ago.  Today, they’re untrue.”

UPDATE: Scott spokesman Brian Hughes said it was unfortunate Nelson was now throwing stones. “It’s a shame that Sen. Nelson has decided to turn what had been a cordial and civil policy-oriented discussion into some attempt to score cheap political points.”

Here’s the whole letter:

In one of his most challenging moments, President John F. Kennedy was honest and straightforward in conceding he had erred.  When speaking to reporters after the Bay of Pigs, he shared a wise man’s quote.

‘An error does not become a mistake â€" until you refuse to correct it.’

Last Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott made an error in rejecting high-speed rail.  Now, it looks like he’s making a monumental mistake, saying he remains unconvinced there’s no risk to taxpayers.  And, I think, the governor in rejecting the project may even be exceeding his constitutional authority.

I am disappointed and â€" quite frankly â€" think it pitiful that Scott would turn down $2.4 billion in allocated funding for high-speed rail in the nation’s fourth largest state.  Such a decision will cost Florida 24,000 new jobs and will obstruct economic growth along the I-4 corridor, and eventually all the way from Orlando to Miami.

For the past week, Scott has cited so-called economic realities that led him to first turn down the money. He claimed Florida taxpayers would be on the hook for possible cost overruns.  He claimed that ridership and revenue projections were overly optimistic.  He claimed the state would have to repay the federal government all of the $2.4 billion, if the project faltered.

His claims were hasty and ill-informed when he first announced his decision a week ago.  Today, they’re untrue.

A bi-partisan group from Florida’s congressional delegation has spent the past week working with U.S. Department of Transportation officials and representatives of the cities of Orlando, Tampa, Lakeland and Miami, to painstakingly address all of Scott’s concerns.

They came up with a detailed plan that removed any financial burdens from the state and taxpayers and placed them into the hands of private companies.

Under this plan, Florida would accept the $2.4 billion federal grant. The state would transfer the money over to a new legal entity made up of city officials from along the first leg of the route between Orlando and Tampa.  This new entity, called the Florida Regional High Speed Rail Commission, would then enter into a contract with the private companies that would design, build, operate, maintain and finance the rest of the operation.

Furthermore, these private entities would be the ones to face financial repercussions if the system ever faltered.  In other words, there would be no financial risk to Florida taxpayers.

The governor’s determination to reject the money anyway â€" not once, but twice â€" leads me to believe it is, at least in part, politically motivated.  Last week, he called the high-speed rail project “Obama-rail,” putting partisan labels where they don’t belong.

High-speed rail is not a partisan issue. It is an economic opportunity for Florida.  It is a way to fortify our state’s transportation network and foster growth.

More importantly, given the hard times we’re all facing, it was a chance to bring thousands of new jobs to Florida â€" 24,000 of them to be more specific.

In sticking with his rejection, Scott is sending the $2.4 billion and 24,000 jobs right to other states.  Our money and jobs will end up in California, New York or Rhode Island.  These states have been clamoring for help with their high-speed rail projects.

Thanks to Gov. Scott, it looks like they’ll be getting a check in the mail.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2011/02/nelson-scotts-final-high-speed-drop-kick-is-pitiful.html

[FayeforCure]

The main state senator talking with Scott’s representatives about the train â€" David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs â€" gave up his efforts Thursday to get Scott to back off.

But he’s not tipping his hand yet whether legislators will sue Scott. Simmons said he was convinced that the proposal offered to Scott by train backers would have unequivocally taken the state off the hook for any future liability.

“In so doing they created a system by which private enterprise and the free market would take all risks regarding the project,” he said. “I applaud the cities for the work that they have done, and I am disappointed that such an excellent plan, that would have been based upon free enterprise principles was disapproved.”

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/critics-blast-scott-over-high-speed-train-1279972.html?page=2

State Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, said Thursday he asked U.S. transportation secretary Ray LaHood to give Florida even more time to challenge Scott on state constitutional grounds for the governor's "unilateral rejection."

"Clearly I believe Scott is operating beyond his executive authority," said Altman who has worked on highâ€"speed rail issues for 26 years since his days as a Space Coast county commissioner.

"I'm not completely sure what can be done," said Altman, one of 26 state senators who sought extra time in a letter to LaHood last week. "I'm a conservative Republican and a strict constitutionalist. I want to make sure our constitution is in place."

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/feb/24/242048/scott-rejects-plan-meant-to-save-high-speed-rail/news-breaking/

Last Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott made an error in rejecting high-speed rail.  Now, it looks like he’s making a monumental mistake, saying he remains unconvinced there’s no risk to taxpayers.  And, I think, the governor in rejecting the project may even be exceeding his constitutional authority

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2011/02/nelson-scotts-final-high-speed-drop-kick-is-pitiful.html

“I believe that he exceeded his executive authority and in a very strong sense we have a Constitutional crisis on our hands,” Altman said.

Senate Republican leader Andy Gardiner acknowledged there are concerns about the “parameters” of the governor’s use of his executive power.

He did not reject the possibility that a fellow caucus member would have a legitimate basis for suing the Republican governor. Altman noted that the Legislature voted to accept the federal money and build high-speed rail in a special session.

“We have a law on the books,” he said, and quoted the portion of the Florida Constitution that reads: “The Governor shall take care that the laws of Florida are faithfully executed.”



Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/24/2084241/gov-rick-scott-rejects-high-speed.html##ixzz1EwmyTmZR

[FayeforCure]

One man with the power of a dictator, the kind of dictators we despise in the middle east!

High-speed rail in Florida, despite bipartisan support and millions of state and private dollars already invested in it, turned out to be surprisingly easy for Gov. Rick Scott to kill. All he had to say was no.

He didn't even have to offer much of an explanation beyond that he thinks it's a boondoggle, a term popularized in the Great Depression to criticize government make-work projects.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/feb/25/MEOPINO1-high-speed-rail-proved-fragile/

[BridgeTroll]

 

One man with the power of a dictator, the kind of dictators we despise in the middle east!

You elected him Faye...

[JeffreyS]

I will be very impressed if the legislature and the Republicans in particular follow through on this.  Even if they fail I will sing their praises for trying.

[tufsu1]

don't think you can pin this one on Faye...on Democrats who stayed home on Electioon Day, maybe

[BridgeTroll]

don't think you can pin this one on Faye...on Democrats who stayed home on Electioon Day, maybe

You and I know that Tufsu... It is for those who do not understand what a dictator is...

[tufsu1]

one thing Scott has done is weakened his own agenda...it will be very difficult for him to get some ideas through the Legislature this year

[Ocklawaha]

Guess it all depends on your prospective... As a railroad professional that see's our HSR project as a disaster waiting to happen, and among the American Railroad Industry in general, Scott comes out the hero.

THANK GOD (and Scott) he stopped this nonsense.

Yeah, maybe it set us back 10 years, maybe it sent away a one time pile of cash, and at the same time it gives us a chance to look it over and decide WHY IT WASN'T IN THE TOP 100 HSR PLANS in America!

Really, I can't figure out how people that can recite why the Outer Beltway will do not-much-to-nothing for Blanding Boulevard, but can't see how a railroad that misses the target just as badly is somehow going to be a magic bullet. More like a bullet to the head.

Meanwhile there is a lot of calling Scott a liar... I guess that makes me one too? Go figure! Ridership crash? We were headed straight for it. System failure? Heading straight for it. Ask ANYONE that doesn't have their hand in the projects pocket... YOU DON'T BUILD HSR in obvious commuter train territory, you build it in the 200-600
mile stages. Please don't muddy this up with the "But it WAS going to come to Jacksonville, and Miami, and Ocala, and ....  PHASE II? There would never have been a phase II if this thing got built, not here, not anywhere in the USA. LOOK AT THE RECORD, then go downtown and catch the Skyway to Shand's, or Riverside, or San Marco... REMEMBER THE BANNER ON THE SKYWAY? "We're going to the stadium..." Same railroad different address. Thank God it's dead under his watch, lets regroup and come up with a plan that makes sense over the long haul.

High Speed Rail is good - The Florida Plan was horrible and would guarantee the failure of the concept nationwide.

OCKLAWAHA

[thelakelander]

Ock, this is much larger than a debate about what corridor is best for a little rail segment between Tampa and Orlando.  The major damage is we're taking a path that's going to make it more difficult to get things (not just in the mass transit arena) done between the state and federal government.  Unless, we're willing to fund things 100% with local dollars, then we really need the state and federal government to have a great working relationship to help assist in projects critical to our local economy.

[FayeforCure]

don't think you can pin this one on Faye...on Democrats who stayed home on Electioon Day, maybe

You and I know that Tufsu... It is for those who do not understand what a dictator is...

Despite the obvious benefits of freedom, openness and democratic rule, the masses fall easy prey to lies and threats of public disorder by the ruling elite.

Guess what country the author is talking about? Could it be the US..............where the irrational fear of deficits met by Republicans cutting taxes for the ultra-rich, and cutting taxes for corporations actually creates budget deficits (Wisconsin)? Fear and Lies, Fear and Lies........are the perfect ingredients for, wait for it...............an elected dictatorship!!!!!!

I guess you yourself haven't ever lived in a country with a dictatorship, or even an elected dictatorship until now.

Yes this might be mind boggeling for you, but elected dictatorships actually exist all over the world.

The quote above was taken from an article describing the elected dictatorship in Malaysia, a country where I happen to spend 2 years of my life.

http://www.hrsolidarity.net/mainfile.php/2000vol10no09/708/

I have also lived under other types of dictatorships in Iran, when the American installed Shaw was there. So clearly I KNOW what a dictatorship looks like. Maybe you ought to read up on it. And may I ask, do you have a passport? (only 30% of Americans even have a passport, which makes you wonder where their wisdom even comes from..........like Sara Palin finally using her 2006 acquired passport to travel to India at the ripe old age of uhm 50?)

[BridgeTroll]

  Get a grip Faye...   Have a passport... probably lived in, and visited more countries than you.  Dictatorships should be right up your alley.  No messy elections where the outcome isn't predetermined.  So by your weird definition... is President Obama a dictator? 

[Captain Zissou]

And may I ask, do you have a passport? (only 30% of Americans even have a passport, which makes you wonder where their wisdom even comes from..........like Sara Palin finally using her 2006 acquired passport to travel to India at the ripe old age of uhm 50?)

Faye, the forum is a vehicle for you to vent your hatred of all things Micah and Scott, but questioning Bridge Troll's credibility only hurts your own argument.  He is one of the most knowledgeable people on the forum, and if you read his other posts you would know that he is well traveled.  To assume you are one of the enlightened few on this forum is the pinnacle of ignorance.

BTW, do you feel like Micah was an elected dictator?

[FayeforCure]

Get a grip Faye...  Have a passport... probably lived in, and visited more countries than you.  Dictatorships should be right up your alley.  No messy elections where the outcome isn't predetermined.  So by your weird definition... is President Obama a dictator?  

Sorry, but I'm not convinced.........unless you were military, in which case you were able to see the military base and the local bars (not in the middle east).

Actually Rick Scott called Obama a Dictator on High Speed Rail and other matters:

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood rejected Scott’s criticism as “baloney.”

Scott, facing objections from Democrats and fellow Republicans in his state for nixing the planned Tampa-to-Orlando rail line this month, said such projects historically cost more to build than budgeted and lose money once in operation.

“I don’t want our taxpayers to fund that,” Scott said in an interview on Bloomberg Television’s “Political Capital with Al Hunt,” airing this weekend. He said he didn’t need to review bids from private businesses that said they would cover any potential overruns.

“It was never going to happen,” Scott said, adding that the state would have had to repay the $2.4 billion if the program failed. ( this has been repeatedly refuted by the federal government itself!!!)

LaHood, in an interview at the Bloomberg News Washington bureau, said of Scott, “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

“I don’t know of anybody else except for the governor who thinks that this would be a bad deal,” LaHood, a Republican and former member of Congress from Illinois, said later on Bloomberg Television. The project “would have put an enormous number of Floridians to work. It would have helped people that are unemployed. It would have helped the economy. So he’s the lone ranger on this.”

‘What’s Changed?’
Scott, 58, in Washington for a weekend meeting of the National Governors Association, criticized President Barack Obama’s performance, saying he hasn’t shifted toward the center since the November elections cost Democrats control of the House and shrank their Senate majority.

“What’s changed?” Scott said. “We still have ridiculously high taxes. We’re walking into a $1.6 trillion deficit.”

“He should be cutting corporate taxes,” the governor said. “He needs to reduce -- dramatically reduce -- spending.”

Scott, elected last fall with Tea Party support, referred to the high-speed rail project on his Twitter page as “ObamaRail” and “ObamaTrain,” echoing the “Obamacare” nickname opponents have given to the health-care overhaul enacted last year.

The administration is trying to dictate “basically how we run our state,” Scott said in the Bloomberg bureau interview. He also said Florida “can’t afford Obamacare.”

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-25/florida-s-scott-defends-refusal-of-high-speed-rail-money-criticizes-obama.html

Ah, so he doesn't want any federal help with Medicaid anymore or SCHIP!! To heck with the poor in Florida!!!

As with all southern states heavily loaded with the nation's poor, Florida is a recipient state of federal dollars.

As lakelander said, Scott nixing High Speed rail has broader implications for the state of Florida.

In the case of gas taxes we are actually a donor state, meaning the High Speed Rail funds for once was going to give us back our gas tax dollars. How likely is it now that we will be able to see any of our gas tax dollars come back to the state of Florida, given the adversarial stance of Rick Scott, Florida's newly elected dictator?

[BridgeTroll]

 

Sorry, but I'm not convinced.........unless you were military, in which case you were able to see the military base and the local bars (not in the middle east).

You poor thing... Have you taken your meds today?  I absolutely was military... though in my job we very frequently did not stay near a base but in rather nice hotels in the middle of (to name but a few) Hong Kong, or Rekyavik, or Singapore, or Dahran S.A. or Manama Bahrain not to mention vacations and trips I took on my own while overseas.  (In Bahrain you can drink at a pub right along with the arabs. )

Speaking of not convinced... an occasional trip to denmark hardly makes YOU a world traveler... But I am well aware of your Euro fetish...

You could make convincing arguments if not for the over the top drama.  You lost the election... YOUR democrats LOST the election that was (for the first time in ages) actually winnable by a democrat...

AND YOU GUYS STAYED HOME!  This is not the republicans fault... it is not rick scotts fault...

IT IS YOUR FAULT!  Your beginning to sound like Garden Guy...