As far as your name, I could care less what name you hide behind. As I said before, I don't think you have any business on this forum because you do not have any GUTS to say who you are. Most, if not all of the folks on this forum are railfans and NOT politicians and express their opinions from that vantage point. I can tell by the points you make that you have access to more information then the people who are expressing their views or reactions from the posts in this forum. Thats an unfair advantage. I know its free country and you can do what you wants, as I can, but I don't hide, I am first and foremost a "railfan" Not a politician, I grew up in Novato, spent many years their and grew up on the NWP. My Father, along we Betty Machado, single handedly gathered the signatures for incorporation. I KNOW that you know that unless you have been living under a rock. I'll do anything to see the NWP return so I can take pictures. I don't not have special interests, but you obviously do. You know me, my name and background and you know that I do the best I can to state facts not opinions unless I say so in my response. I put my money where my mouth is. My many years of fighting for effective transportation throughout the Bay Area got me appointed to the MTC Advisory Council. Without exception, MTC appointees come from Board of Supes. City Councils and the like because they are stakeholders. Other then the Novato, if you were to "TRY this case in the Press" (The NCRA-Novato Suit) with your logic, you would be laughed out of the Country! Finally, I strongly suggest you talked to Art Llyod of the
Peninsula JPB and see if he can help your cause or give you some advice.

Answer to your 2nd question: Plain and simple, FREIGHT HAS NO IMPACT on Marin or Sonoma County residents other then moving goods cheaper, cleaner and better then any other form of transportation. In other words, environmentally sound and GREEN! If it were not true, Railroads revenue and traffic would not be going up in the face of inflation, high fuel costs ( read tracks) and a poor economy. Union Pacific and BNSF had their best quarters yet.

Answer to the third question: Ask Lillian at SMART. It has nothing to do with SMART.