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Re: Union Pacific seeks bond funds for overhaul of Sierra route
Author: David Jansson
Date: 02-12-2008 - 14:43
Damn, they're good. Ya gotta give 'em credit - UP is VERY GOOD at getting other people to build THEIR railroad.
I've got an idea: as UP is more than willing to get OUR $$$ in their wallet, hows about a stock deal? For every public $$$ invested, UP hands over an equal amount of common stock (fair market value at market closing, the day of the transaction) to the State or Federal treasury. The stock will then be parked in a fund where it cannot be sold except by public vote (2/3 majority) and any income from it will go to the transit district or agency (Caltrans, US DOT) with specifics - detailed in law - stating that those funds are to be used SOLELY for improvement that serves the GENERAL PUBLIC - and by that I mean US CITIZENS.
Call it "strategic investment". Call it whatever you want, but if Omaha is getting a crack at OUR tax money WE (John Q. Citizen, not some Corporation) should damn well get something in return,
I'll vote for PASSENGER rail service.
I've got an idea: as UP is more than willing to get OUR $$$ in their wallet, hows about a stock deal? For every public $$$ invested, UP hands over an equal amount of common stock (fair market value at market closing, the day of the transaction) to the State or Federal treasury. The stock will then be parked in a fund where it cannot be sold except by public vote (2/3 majority) and any income from it will go to the transit district or agency (Caltrans, US DOT) with specifics - detailed in law - stating that those funds are to be used SOLELY for improvement that serves the GENERAL PUBLIC - and by that I mean US CITIZENS.
Call it "strategic investment". Call it whatever you want, but if Omaha is getting a crack at OUR tax money WE (John Q. Citizen, not some Corporation) should damn well get something in return,
I'll vote for PASSENGER rail service.
