My Piece of the Rock

They'll Be Working on the Railroad?

In a March 9, 2009, letter to Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland, Canadian National's CEO Hunter Harrison stated that beginning March 10, two additional CN trains will begin running from Mundelein to Matteson on the EJ&E tracks. In the following weeks, two more pairs of trains are also scheduled to start running between Mundelein and Matteson. At this time, however, Harrison does not anticipate more trains than this because of the state of the economy. (Nationally rail shipping is down about 15% with a corresponding 14-15% of rail cars sitting idle on sidings.)

Harrison also stated that, although CN--like the American public--is hoping for a quick economic recovery, this slow down will provide extra time for remediation logistics to be clarified and implemented. He did note, however, that the $100 million pledged in infrastructure improvements is tied directly to track usage and productivity. So it sounds like infrastructure improvements will not come until the economy turns around and freight train usage returns to previously levels.

They'll be working on the railroad? I guess we'll have to wait and see...

Stewardship: Biblical Concept, Practical Application

WriterRae is working with multiple project deadlines at the moment, so pardon my lack of originality. However, this piece on fiscal stewardship came through my inbox this morning, and I thought it was relevant, given our government's passage of an obscenely irrelevant stimulus package. Not sure what exactly it's going to stimulate, probably private interest groups' coffers. Sad but likely true...

Taken from...IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, February 11, 2009

Stewardship and the Government

In a somewhat surprising juxtaposition, the language addressing parishioners' "stewardship" by the Roman Catholic Church is applicable in addressing "accountability" and "transparency" in relation to government.  As defined by the Encarta Dictionary of English, "stewardship" is managing somebody else's property, finances, or household, guiding or directing a project to completion. The 10th Edition of the Bishops' stewardship letter reads, "accountability is essential to building a solid foundation for a (stewardship) program.” Unfortunately, stewardship and accountability is not always practiced.

Concerns about congressional stewardship were first expressed by Thomas Jefferson in 1796, warning that sending funds to local projects would be a "source of eternal scramble among the members, who can get the most money wasted in their State; and they will always get the most who are the meanest." In 1822 President James Monroe stated that federal money should only be spent on, "great national works, since if it were unlimited it would be liable to abuse and might be productive of evil." "Waste," "meanest," and "evil" would not be terms associated with good stewardship.

Government "stewardship" is managing taxation, accountability for spending funds, information transparency, and fair and open competition for funding. The most obvious demonstration of a lack of stewardship is found in earmarks. The official process for determining the federal budget is a three-step process of authorization, appropriation, and oversight. According to Congressman Jeff Flake (R-AZ), the earmark process has eliminated the authorizing and oversight work - Congress just appropriates.

Former Director of the OMB Jim Nussle, issued a statement concerning the FY2009 Senate budget, which is laughable now, "The budget resolution…adds $25 billion in new spending this year and $209 billion more over 5 years." Nussle and Flake’s remarks were uttered before the current trillion dollar stimulus was steamrolled through Congress, completely circumventing the standard process.

At the state level poor stewardship was demonstrated last year when Governor Culver and members of the majority Democrat party refused to submit a complete budget for consideration, instead only revealing sections as they passed them.  Poorly managed projects, such as the Honey Creek Resort, raise additional questions.

In a demonstration of support for stewardship, every Republican Congressman recently voted against the stimulus bill. The Senate Republicans were not able to keep members focused on limited government and fiscal responsibility. Unfortunately, our children will reap what they have sown. As the Iowa Legislative session continues all citizens should be aware of stewardship issues and work to force government to improve stewardship of our money.

For further information see the Institute Policy Study, “Stewardship in Government Spending:  Accountability, Transparency, Earmarks, and Competition.

The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Public Interest Institute.  They are brought to you in the interest of a better-informed citizenry.

Deborah D. Thornton, Research Analyst, Public Interest Institute, 600 North Jackson Street, Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641-1328.  Phone:  319-385-3462.  Web site: www.limitedgovernment.org.

E-mail: public.interest.institute@

limitedgovernment.org.

More Manic Monday Missives

Loved the commentary in my SouthtownStar this morning and am posting a link here to reporter William Lee's "thanks but no thanks" stand on Blago buddy Mr. Burris going to Washington.

"Bam! Nailed it" as Lee writes in his editorial titled, "Check your ego at the door, senator".

From Friday Fun Day to Manic Monday in Good 'Ol Illinois

Friday was a big day in Illinois...Duh Gov might, maybe, with a little luck (and probably a few pay offs) be on his way out and his senatorial pick, Roland Burris, might be on his way in. Because we, as a state, are so newsworthy, we made the opening sketch of Saturday Night Live on Jan. 11. What an honor...

I think the delusion factor for those best buds is about the same...off the charts...and I have to wonder if Duh Gov is a Nixon fan. Love the quote in the Frost/Nixon movie (taken from transcripts of the Frost/Nixon interview, 5.19.77) where Frost, interviewing Nixon says,

    

"So what in a sense, you're saying is that there are certain situations...where the president can decide that it's in the best interests of the nation or something, and do something illegal."     And Nixon replies, "Well, when the President does it, that means it is not illegal."     Frost clarifies, "By definition?"     Nixon responds, "Exactly, exactly." Sound familiar? Seeing any parallels?

Done Deal: Frankfort & CN Agree on Concessions

The Frankfort Village Board accepted CN's $3.1 million proposal for mitigation efforts along the EJ&E track that runs through Frankfort which is being purchased by CN. While Frankfort was part of the coaltion TRAC whose goal was to block the sale, it had become apparent in recent weeks that the STB would soon formally approve the sale and Frankfort would get no officially mandated help. Frankfort is the 8th town to sign a deal with CN. New Lenox is submitting a counter offer saying CN's current proposal falls short.

Frankfort's assistance will come in the form of:

*a quiet zone stretching across the full length of track in the Village with the undetermined cost picked up by CN

*$240,000 for a constant warning system to alert the dispatch center to train location

*$65,000 for 2,000 feet of fencing for parks adjacent to the tracks

$110,000 for new emergency equipment and haz mat training for emergency personnel

However, the biggest portion of the money will be set aside for the Village to use for sound barrier construction on properties along the tracks. This could cover sound walls, fences or landscaping.

To read Sue Lafferty's full article, click here.

Duh Gov of IL...To Impeach or Not to Impeach

It's a big day for Illinois lawmakers on both sides of the fence. Before our state completely crashes and burns, they've got to decide if they're going to go for broke (oh, sorry, we're already there!) and start impeachment proceedings for our esteemed leader. Speculation abounds on what Duh Gov will do this morning...trade his position for leniency, ratting out all his buddies on the way? Continue with his Heigh Ho Heigh Ho It's Off to Work We Go mentality because it's business as usual, at least in his Fantasy Land (He is definitely not Prince Charming, however!)?  Start his Monday off right by appointing a no doubt reluctant friend to the open Senate seat? The possibilities are endless...because when you're the star of your own reality show, you make the rules, right? (I'm really curious if Duh Gov has an avatar in Second Life!)

In any case I'm rooting for Attorney General Lisa Madigan to press her cause and take Duh Gov DOWN!  You go, girl!

And because it's Monday and the economy stinks and Duh Gov is mucking things up even more, here's a little humor to get our week off to a better start...Late Night Best of Blago

Duh Gov of Illinois Arrested in Federal Probe

Well, it's finally happened. Our illustrious Illinois governor has gone and gotten himself arrested on multiple charges all revolving around corruption. Assuming the charges are credible (which I am), it's amazing this man isn't declared incompetent to stand trial if you look at his bold and brazen behavior. Only a nut job would be this blatant, right?

The Chicago Tribune has compiled a selection of quotes from Duh Gov that reflect his character. One of my favorites is this: 

"March 2007, when asked about the federal probe during a meeting with the Tribune editorial board:

'I'm happy to make an appointment, talk to you guys about that. But I feel real good about all the different things that we do because we follow the rules and we do things right and at the end of the day, as they say in the Bible, the truth shall set you free. The truth is what it is. And the truth is we do things right.'"

Leads me back to one of my favorite questions...whose truth is truest? I guess we shall see.

New Lenox Asks CN for Overpass, Gets Passed Over

CN Vice President Mike Mohan took a ride with New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann on Monday as the mayor asked CN to see first hand the areas to be impacted by the 28 trains per day that will soon be zooming through the Lincoln-Way area on the old EJ&E tracks. Mohan was not impressed and said that New Lenox is no different than any of the other half dozen communities he's visiting who will be affected by the increased traffic.

"Mohan did say CN would "fully fund" all improvements needed to create quiet zones, where trains would not blow their whistles. Along school and park sites, they would install "security fencing" in the right-of-way. CN would "look at" sound walls "if residents want them." The company could provide technology that would allow emergency dispatchers to see which crossings are blocked. CN would not fund improvements for future residents.

Mohan suggested the village rely on mutual aid agreements with other emergency services and use its sales tax from the future malls to fund the improvements it wants. Quiet zones would "add value" to future developments, he said." (from SouthtownStar article, 12.9.08)

In other news, CN reached an agreement with Chicago Heights for quiet zones and help with economic development. Joliet and Crest Hill in Illinois and Dyer, Indiana have also reached agreements. Frankfort is currently negotiating with CN.

Frankfort to Pursue Negotiations with CN Re: EJ&E Sale

After receiving resident input at a committee of the whole meeting on Monday, December 1, the Village of Frankfort will consider a negotiated agreement with CN for remediation efforts in Frankfort along the EJ&E tracks. The Village is hoping to get quiet zones established and sound barriers installed for residents who live along the tracks. It is expected that the agreement will be reviewed and voted upon at the Monday, December 15, Village of Frankfort Board meeting. Board meetings are held at 7 p.m. at Heritage Hall. For more information, visit www.frankforttrainstop.com.

FYI: CN has already negotiated deals with Joliet and Crest Hill (in IL) and Dyer, IN. Also on December 3, Amtrak officially dropped its opposition to CN and accepted a usage agreement that lets the passenger rail line continue to run on the St. Charles Air Line tracks and will cap costs for Amtrak. However, Amtrak spokesperson Mark Magliari said this should not be construed as active support for CN's purchase of the EJ&E tracks. They are now neutral on the issue instead of opposing it.

Ford CEO to Accept $1/Year Salary If Necessary

So I think I'm, dare I say it, proud to be a Ford owner. I just read a story on-line that quoted Ford CEO Alan Mulally as saying he'll work for $1/year if Ford has to accept any of the government's bailout money (Ford has requested 9 billion of the proposed 25 billion, although it currently doesn't intend to use it). Now that's the kind of sacrifice I'm looking for as a taxpayer who's fed up with all the corporate greed and gluttony.  And this statement comes from a man who made tens of millions of dollars in salary and bonus after his 4 months of work in 2006, exactly NOT the kind of fiscal responsibility I'm interested in. This is also the man that after the first round of congressional hearings on the automaker bailout said of his $22 million executive compensation package and possible salary cuts that he was "...okay where I am."

So that's quite the turnaround in a month. And I'm cautiously optimistic (or maybe just incredibly naieve) that he's serious about the plan he offered Congress today...a plan that includes no management bonuses nor merit increases for salaried employees (who hasn't lived through that for years down in Everyday-Employee Land??). Ford also plans to accelerate its development of eco-friendly cars that reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and it plans to sell its five corporate jets. Woo hoo!

Again, this is the kind of news I want to hear, not only as a Ford owner but as a taxpayer who feels like she's footing the bill for a lot of other people's bad choices. I just hope it's from a reliable source.