Different View Towards Rail in Orlando?

[thelakelander]

Interesting view they have regarding their rail lines.  They seem to understand that rail infrastructure can be used for both passenger and freight.   This is something we should keep in mind, when thinking about the future of the S-Line and port related rail improvements.

Orange leaders agree to help fix rail line to Lake

Orange County commissioners voted 6-1 Tuesday to help pay for $18.4 million in repairs on a deteriorating private rail line from Orlando to Eustis, repairs that would be shouldered almost entirely by taxpayers.

Proponents argued that the public should pay for the work to help boost freight traffic, which could promote job growth. The improvements also would also be needed to build a commuter rail line between Orange and Lake counties, backers say.

"We're trying to guarantee in the future a road alternative to the transportation of freight," Commissioner Fred Brummer said in supporting the move. "This is about job creation and job perpetuation."

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/os-orange-lake-rail-fixes-20110308,0,3651653.story

[FayeforCure]

Nice to see a straight-out acknowledgement that the private sector CANNOT shoulder the cost of our nation's infrastructure. But it always amazes me that "corporate welfare" which sucks up far more dollars that supposed "people welfare," doesn't evoke the same outrage among Republicans.

Orange County commissioners voted 6-1 Tuesday to help pay for $18.4 million in repairs on a deteriorating private rail line from Orlando to Eustis, repairs that would be shouldered almost entirely by taxpayers.

I thought the Republican mantra was that "if the private sector can't make it work, we shouldn't do it at all," because "we HATE government and government can't do anything right."

Can we finally get on the same page and understand that a properly functioning government is there to empower and protect (facilitate) the success of individuals and corporations alike.


unfortunately we still have too many politicians that use their position to enrich themselves:

It turns out that the best book deal in the history of the state might belong to our new Senate president.

On his way to the Senate in 2003, Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, cut a deal with Brevard Community College. He wouldn't actually continue to teach there. But he would spend four years writing a publishable textbook. And he would be paid nearly $40,000 a year.

The result was a 175-page, double-spaced manuscript titled "Florida Legislative History and Processes."

Four years after it was finished, the Associated Press says there still is only the single copy, tucked away somewhere at BCC. But - and I'm sure this will make taxpayers feel much better - school officials insist that will change. The entire book may even end up online.

I know you can't wait to read Haridopolos' tips for running for office. So here's a little taste of the insight from The $152,000 Book: "At a minimum a candidate must know his own position on all the important issues."

Good advice. But while in Tallahassee, Haridopolos has struggled to follow it at times, flipping and flopping positions on drilling and high-speed rail. But when it comes to government spending, he has been consistent. It's reckless. And he's going to put a stop to it.

"In these tough times, we need to identify wasteful spending," he said.

He's right. We can't afford to waste money. Not when gas is up, wages are down and a single textbook can cost $152,000

That's the kind of "personal welfare" that's killing us.

Where are those supposed checks and balances, that keep this kind of unethical "third world" actions by our politicians from happening?

Finding out many years later and "hoping" he will reimburse the state of Florida the money doesn't cut it, in a country where legions of people diss on the "personal welfare" of the "undeserved" poor.

These people need to redirect their venom to the undeserved "corporate welfare," and the undeserved "personal welfare" of crooked politicians.

BTW, hooray, for the Orange county commisioners understanding that government does indeed play a role in infra-structure spending, because the private sector CANNOT do it alone. This is what's called sound public investment with and eye to the future, unlike much of the corporate welfare today.

[JeffreyS]

Amazing how hard we Americans have to work to get money for decades worth of infrastructure compared to what the Fed is willing to spend on the Iraqi people every few days.

[mtraininjax]

Amazing how hard we Americans have to work to get money for decades worth of infrastructure compared to what the Fed is willing to spend on the Iraqi people every few days.

Ah, yes, our so-called spread of world-wide democracy.

[Ocklawaha]

Interesting view they have regarding their rail lines.  They seem to understand that rail infrastructure can be used for both passenger and freight.   This is something we should keep in mind, when thinking about the future of the S-Line and port related rail improvements.

Orange leaders agree to help fix rail line to Lake

Orange County commissioners voted 6-1 Tuesday to help pay for $18.4 million in repairs on a deteriorating private rail line from Orlando to Eustis, repairs that would be shouldered almost entirely by taxpayers.

Proponents argued that the public should pay for the work to help boost freight traffic, which could promote job growth. The improvements also would also be needed to build a commuter rail line between Orange and Lake counties, backers say.

I've been over that trackage, and have to tell you that its the railroad equivalent of a dirt road... FREIGHT AND PASSENGER which will be part of SUNRAIL. Sadly they can't claim these benefits for the HSR project... but they HAVE CLAIMED THEM in their documentation.

OCKLAWAHA

[buckethead]

I thought the Republican mantra was that "if the private sector can't make it work, we shouldn't do it at all," because "we HATE government and government can't do anything right."

Can we finally get on the same page and understand that a properly functioning government is there to empower and protect (facilitate) the success of individuals and corporations alike.

I was on board until you berated me (R). Now I am retrenching.

Hey! I'm only human!

[JeffreyS]

Bucket, I (D) have missed you. You do such a good job of calling people on things and plainly making your point.