From Jim Garrett
Creston
I have always enjoyed Jim Stalker’s letters to the editor. They very often center around community building, and as citizens, we should all involve ourselves in that pursuit.
I took special interest in his most recent letter in which he expounds on the virtues of Amtrak and their proposed $1 million investment in Creston. Jim’s view of Amtrak is backed by a large majority of Iowa’s Third Congressional District electorate. A 2013 poll indicates that 87 percent want passenger service increased or to remain the same, 75 percent would support an additional daylight train east and west through southern Iowa and 73 percent support increased or current level federal funding. (On those three questions, Republicans support was 82 percent, 64 percent and 59 percent respectively).
With that in mind, perhaps we should review how our elected representative feels about this issue. Congressman David Young has voted six times to defund Amtrak or eliminate service including votes that would likely abolish the California Zephyr through Creston. (H.R. 2577 & H.R. 749 with amendments). Amtrak spends nearly $1.1 million annually in Iowa with almost all of that in Council Bluffs, also part of the Third District. This is in addition to $650,000 in employee wages. Additionally, Amtrak isn’t just planning improvements for Creston, there are upgrades slated for Burlington, Fort Madison and Ottumwa that will total well over a $4 million.
Passenger rail service has set ridership records in recent years and Amtrak currently covers 93 percent of its operating cost. Their debt has been reduced and they are expanding into new markets. Economic development expands along passenger routes, a phenomenon that can be found in our neighboring states Illinois, Minnesota and Missouri. In the future, major economic activities will be found along rail lines and those lines offering passenger service will see the bulk of that activity.
Yes, Jim, this is a golden opportunity, but it is only one that survives if Amtrak survives. For that to be assured, we need representation that sponsors that goal and supports rural Iowa economic opportunities. Jim Mowrer has pledged continued support for passenger rail and Essential Air Service funding and the travel options they offer rural Iowans. (Young also voted to eliminate Essential Air Service funding). As Mr. Stalker said, “change is inevitable.” Well, a change in congressional representation will sure go a long way toward bettering our community and rural economic opportunities, and that is a goal worthy of striving for.