ATTACK OF THE ROAD WARRIORS.
The State of Georgia continues to negotiate with the Norfolk Southern railroad over plans to begin running commuter trains between Atlanta and Lovejoy. And even though there's still no final agreement, the highway lobby and its supporters are becoming increasingly worried that commuter rail just may become a reality in Georgia, competing for a small portion of the state transportation budget. Road-builders, real estate developers and others who profit from highway spending long have promoted the notion that Georgians won't ride commuter trains, a fantasy that will be dispelled when Georgia gets commuter trains, and -- surprise, surprise -- people ride them! Now that there is a real chance that commuter trains may begin operating in Georgia as early as next year, the Road Warriors have launched their counterattack. State Rep. Steve Davis (R-McDonough), a real estate agent whose 2004 campaign contributors included the Georgia Assn. of Realtors, the Builders Political Action Committee, developers, an auto dealer and ChevronTexaco, introduced a bill (HR 254) that would bar the Georgia Dept. of Transportation from spending any money on the Atlanta-Lovejoy line unless individual communities along the line sign binding documents promising to cover all operating losses. The measure is a clear "poison pill," and Rep. Davis made his intent even more clear in an op-ed piece in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, unambiguously titled, "Don't Waste Money on Lovejoy Rail Line." While there is not enough room in this newsletter to cover all of the misrepresentations in Davis's argument, the most glaring is his claim, "The $106 million dedicated to this project could go a long way toward solving our traffic problems" if diverted to roads. Could it really? In the first place, most of the $106 million is dedicated federal money that will be lost to the state if it's not spent on rail. In the second place, the average cost of building one lane mile of interstate highway ranges between $10 and $25 million, meaning that even if the entire $106 million were diverted to roads it would pay for less than three miles of a four-lane highway.
- Jim Dexter, The Peach State Xpress
About Me
- Burke Sisco
- Burke Sisco has completed intensive training in energy and environmental issues related to real estate transactions and excels as one of Georgia's very first Certified EcoBrokers®. In addition to energy-efficient, eco-friendly features of the house itself, Burke focuses on a niche market of location-efficient housing. These homes are generally found Intown Atlanta within some of the city's more walkable neighborhoods and village settings, and often in proximity to MARTA, bike paths, and the coming BeltLine. Visit Burke's other blog at www.ecohomeguy.com. Burke can be contacted at 404.421.9968.
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10 Ways to Annoy Cops
Say, "Damn, officer, you must have been going fast to keep up with me!"
When he approaches you, stare at his gut and say, "Hmmm. I thought cops had to be physically fit."
Sway and ask if his bulletproof vest protects him from projectile vomiting.
Lie on the ground and ask him to draw your outline in chalk.
Throw his nightstick and tell the police dog to fetch it.
Ask him if you can use his pepper spray to spice up your pizza.
Tell him you wanted to be a cop, but decided to graduate high school instead.
When he asks you to walk the line, "Riverdance" instead.
Instead of pleading the 5th amendment, plead the 13th or 16th.
When he asks for your license, say, "Oh sure, officer, can you hold me beer for a sec?"
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson go on a camping trip, set up their tent, and fall asleep. Some hours later, Holmes wakes his faithful friend.
"Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see."
Watson replies, "I see millions of stars."
"What does that tell you?"
Watson ponders for a minute. "Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo. Timewise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, it's evident the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?"
Holmes is silent for a moment, then speaks. "Watson, you idiot, someone has stolen our tent."
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