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A letter from a friend of mine in Wisconsin on the high speed rail project
Dear Governor Elect Walker,
I am writing as per your request for ideas on how to create jobs in
Wisconsin. The first and most important step you can take as governor
will be to follow through on the high speed rail project from Milwaukee
to Madison, and on to Minneapolis in the future. Where else will you be
able to instantly create 5,000 high paying jobs, along with the tax
revenues they contribute to the state's coffers? Where else will you be
able to promote businesses that produce new products that can be sold
throughout the country? Where else will you be able to reduce
unemployment with zero effort, zero tax incentives, and minimal cost to
the people of Wisconsin?
Your proposal to spend the money on roads, bridges, and other
auto-related transportation priorities is not without merit. This would
be particularly true in the 1950's and 1960's when these systems were
expanding to meet the rapidly increasing needs of newly-mobile
Americans. However, this is 2010, and the future will consist of a more
diverse mix of transportation options, including high speed rail.
Connecting Milwaukee, Madison, and other Wisconsin communities to the
two largest and most economically vibrant cities in the Midwest, Chicago
and Minneapolis, can bring huge potential benefits to Wisconsin
businesses. This rail line will be built someday. Will your legacy as
governor be that you were the one who ensured high speed rail was built
through Illinois rather than Wisconsin?
An often overlooked reason for traveling by train is that one can
accomplish productive work in transit, rather than being occupied with
driving. For busy business people, this is a huge advantage. And
compared to flying, if I can be downtown by rail in the same time (or
less) via high speed rail versus the hassles of flying, I'm on the
train.
I realize you ran for governor on a platform of opposition to high speed
rail in Wisconsin. Did you form your position because you truly believe
this is best for the economy and the people of Wisconsin? Or did you
select it because it was an easy issue to help you get elected? I know
the polls show overwhelming opposition to the rail project, because
people are concerned about the relatively paltry annual operational
costs. However, even a cursory economic analysis on the back of a
napkin indicates that the annual costs pale in comparison to the
economic input of $810 million dollars, the jobs created, the taxes
collected, and the future business it will bring to our state. In
business, we call this a no-brainer.
A politician will bend whichever way the wind blows. A leader will
stand up and do what is best for his state and its citizens. It appears
that you have chosen the path of politician over leader. You do so at
your own peril, and at the peril of the future economic prosperity of
the state of Wisconsin.
As a small business owner, I have created jobs in my small community of
Westfield, WI. by developing a new product for which there was
essentially no market when I started 28 years ago. Despite some very
tough early years, I persevered, and now employ 30 full time and part
time employees. I believe in paying them a fair wage, with decent
benefits for full time employees (most small businesses cannot afford
health care for part timers), and providing opportunities for education
and advancement. Yes, there are costs associated with these benefits,
but they yield long-term economic benefits.
I also believe that one of the primary responsibilities of state
government, especially the governor, is to see beyond the momentary
"issues du jour," and to look toward the future and make the hard
decisions that will benefit the citizenry and the state economy in the
long run.
Your opposition to high speed rail is rapidly making Wisconsin the
laughing stock of the nation. "Why are those stupid Cheeseheads turning
down all those jobs and a transportation system that will connect them
to the economic powerhouses of their region?" I'm sure Illinois will be
happy to take our money and build the line to Minneapolis through
Rockford instead.
Will you accept the role of leader as our governor, or as a follower of
public whim? I understand there is a political risk to changing your
position on an issue. However, there is an even greater risk in staying
the course when that course is clearly not in the best interests of your
constituents. Please reconsider your position on high speed rail, and
the impact it will have on the families that depend upon your judgment
and leadership to create jobs and prosperity for all.
Sincerely,
Neil Diboll, President
Prairie Nursery, Inc.
P.O. Box 306
Westfield, WI 53964
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