Is high-speed rail doomed?
Maybe, maybe not, but the picture is bleak. Here's what we said in an editorial published today:
"California's proposed high-speed rail system is on life support, and the governor and Legislature have issued a 'do not resuscitate' order. If the project is killed, it will be an appalling betrayal of the state's residents, and a legacy of shame that should attach itself to our so-called 'leaders' until the end of history."
Democrats in the Assembly wiped out $55 million in funding for the project -- along with more than $1 billion in other transit funds -- in what so far has been a vain attempt to win at least minimal Republican support for a budget deal in the state Senate. The governor has made no effort to move the project forward, despite his fine words in this commentary written for The Bee and published in May.
California, once a progressive beacon to the world, has lost the capacity to think beyond its own nose. What a terrible shame.
Comments
The shame is that high-speed rail makes so much sense for California. And if population growth predictions are anywhere near being correct, it's going to make an awful lot more sense in the future.
In future years, when travelers are hopelessly bogged down on congested freeways trying to get around the state, they should remember the names of the people who stuck them there - starting with Schwartzeneggar, Fabian Nunez, Don Perata and Clovis' own Mike Villines.
Where have the leaders with vision gone?
Posted by: Mike D. | July 24, 2007 2:25 PM
The high speed rail is a must have for California. California has the best landscape for it, yet our government keeps paving new freeways and highways. Hopefully our new governor will have the insight to move something forward, of course that is if its not to late.
Posted by: john | July 24, 2007 2:50 PM
Maybe if a larger portion of our taxes was actually spent on infrastructure instead of a failing education system and social experiments we would be in better shape. The blame lies with those that have elected a democrat legislature that has prostituted itself to public employee unions,environmental extremists and the kook fringe that fill their campain chests.Do you really think having a choo choo will change anything?
Posted by: Brian Murray | July 24, 2007 9:18 PM
Um, Brian, the reason such a large portion of the budget is spent on the education system is that we, the voters, mandated that when we passed Prop. 98 several years ago. It's not because of the "democrat legislature."
Posted by: Mike D. | July 25, 2007 9:02 AM
Does anyone know if the high speed rail can be put on the upcoming ballot and let the voters decide if the state needs it or not?
Posted by: FYVM | July 25, 2007 3:10 PM
Mr. D.,wouldn't you say 48% is extreme when less than 1% goes to infrastructure.Is education 48 times more important and you didn't answered how a choo choo will improve things when our current infrastructure is a mess. Do we abandon it for the "Solar Express"?Then we'd have bad roads, bad rails and bad schools.Who was behind Prop 98? Prop 186?Voter approval doesn't mean much.
Posted by: Brian Murray | July 25, 2007 7:15 PM
I don't know where your figures are coming from. 1% of what, the general fund? Most of our infrastructure is financed by bonds, which is how governments usually finance infrastructure improvements (because you need a lot of money up front, but the benefits are spread out over time - not much different than the private sector, just a different funding mechanism).
And the "choo choo" (it's actually called a "train") IS part of the infrastucture. You don't think infrastructure is just roads and highways, do you?
Posted by: Mike D. | July 26, 2007 9:18 AM
OK so do we add a room addition while the roof is caving in. I am refering to the state budget as explained to me by my congress person and on the surface the numbers seem to say the same old story-Money going down rat holes while the systems fail and services and infrastructure take a hit. Do we start off in a new direction?Tell me how we fix the current problems before we take on another tax payer burden.I call it a choo choo because it's a toy we don't have the money for. All the trains and trolleys I've ridden are OK for events and tourists but passed by mostly empty during the day.At this time it seems like a luxury.
Posted by: Brian Murray | July 26, 2007 4:08 PM
Luxury maybe, but I'd rather ride an express train to Southern Cali if it meant taking 1/2 the time than driving the whole four - six hours. Also just think about how many cars will be on freeway 99 in a couple more years. The Central Valley is the fastest growing area, the population has been estimated to double in about the next 20 years. So do we keep smogging up the valley or find an alternate?
Posted by: john | July 31, 2007 9:03 AM