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Exclusive Interview: Michael DukakisBy David Emer On May 7, 2002,
Michael Dukakis explained his views to me regarding Amtrak during these tough
times for the company. Michael Dukakis has served on the Amtrak board as
vice-chairman since June of 1998. He was the governor of Massachusetts and the
1988 Democratic Presidential Nominee. Currently, he is a distinguished professor
at Northeastern University.
Q: Amtrak has
insisted that it needs $1.2 billion from congress. If Amtrak receives this money
what priorities will it be used for to accomplish first?
A: The 1.2 billion
will be used for essential capital investments and some operating assistance for
our long distance lines. 160
million of it, regrettably, goes directly to the railroad retirement fund for
employees who never worked for us! So
the 1.2, along with state capital funds, is really just a little bit over one
billion to do the job and develop a dozen already designated high-speed
corridors. That’s about five
percent of what we spend in federal funds every year for highways and airports.
Q: Do you agree
with former President and CEO George Warrington that Amtrak has a conflicting
mission to make money and to provide a service to the country?
A: I don’t think
there is any conflict between trying to make an operating profit and providing
service to underserved communities. On the other hand, unless and until we get the capital
funding from Congress invest in money making high speed corridors, we will need
continuing subsidies for the long distance trains. To read the rest of this article you can subscribe to Train Magazine or send an e-mail to Editor@trainmagazine.com, saying that you want this issue to be your trial issue. |
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