An Update From Dave Mansheim
February 25, 2008
It is starting all over again with the Rail Roads! So, let's bring
everyone up to date with some general information. Later, I will be
following up with different groups, with a more specific message on what
your associations can do. We will be updating our website,
www.azcommonsense.org with the newest
information during the next week, including the current copy of HB 2156,
which is the newer version of HB 2020.
You may recall the events of last year's "go-around" with the railroad,
consisting of misinformation and/or lack of any information from the
Union Pacific Rail Road on double tracking and the proposed Punta
Colonet rail project, and how this had an adverse effect on our
community. (If you need a refresher on issues with the rail roads,
please read over the news releases and newspaper article links listed on
the above website.) As a result, a number of businesses and individuals
organized Arizona Common Sense, Inc. With the help of many community
leaders, ACSI played a big part in getting House Bill (HB 2020) through
the house and senate. HB 2020 was designed to provide a means for
public hearings about railroad plans, through the Arizona Corporation
Commission, much like other utilities are required to do.
Unfortunately, even though it found overwhelming majority support in the
House and Senate, it was not signed by the Governor. As a result,
Arizona Common Sense, Inc. is supporting this year's attempt to gain
some voice -- through House Bill HB 2156. Over the winter, a number of
people have been diligently working on the language of last year's bill
to make it acceptable to the Governor, thus this year's HB 2156,
sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Paton.
The bill is currently being held in a House committee following its
initial hearing while meetings take place between representatives of
ours (and our allies) and representatives of the RRs. The railroads are
working this very hard again, and this just tells you that they do not
want anyone asking them legitimate questions that they have to answer.
Because of our strong showing in the legislature last year, this bill is
not easy to dismiss or ignore, and thus the committee has ordered the
RRs to the table along with us to engage in the aforementioned
discussions. In this regard, it is extremely important for us and other
proponents of the bill to show members of the legislature that a lot of
people they should care about mean business on this issue. We will be
contacting you with ways you can assist to support this effort.
THEY'RE BACK!!!
Here is what we know: There have been meetings in the San Luis, Sonora,
Mexico area with Rail Road Officials on possible routes through that
area. At this time we have no concrete details of who participated and
specific topics. Also, there has been a reporter from Mexico making
contacts in this area, requesting details on the "rail road" entering
the U.S. through Tribal land. Again, no details or confirmation. In
addition, this year's lobbying efforts by the Rail Roads has been
stronger and better organized than last year.
What does this all mean? At this time we're not sure, and won't
speculate, but know that we will need everyone's support and efforts
again, so we don't have a repeat of last year. I need to reiterate -
we support the Rail Road - our local economy can not afford to lose the
service we currently have; however, it is imperative we get HB 2156
passed so we have some voice as to how future plans could affect our
lives.
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Mansheim
President, Arizona Common Sense, Inc.
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