by Sirsonic
The spokesman for the M&E had said on several occasions prior to the money running out the first time that the original allocation would allow for not only the rebuilding of the SIRY, but also the entire RV all the way to Summit. This is evidenced by their obstinate insistence that they would go all the way to Summit, even though the original allocation of funds was only supposed to cover rebuilding of the SIRY and the RV to the Rahway River in Springfield. The M&E at the time insisted that the SIRY was coming in under budget, and so under budget in fact, that they would be able to restore the rest of the RV. Now, they said a few months ago that they had run out of funds for the SIRY before it was "completed" and needed some $2 million to finish the SIRY and install new crossing protection. That money was supposed to finish the SIRY, but once again, the funds are expended and nothing is "complete". Between the original $7.5 million and the additional $2 million, what has my money bought? There has been no significant renewal of the SIRY; a good deal of ties have been replaced, some new ballast has been dropped and the line has been surfaced. One new crossing signal installation has been installed of the 7 or 8 crossings on the line.
If you hire a "general contractor" to renovate your house for $100,000, and the contractor says that will cover the job should you believe him? What if he tells you that your project is coming in under budget, because the beams you thought were rotten are sturdy? What would you think if after telling you that he stops working one day and says your money is all spent and he needs another $50,000 to finish the job. What would you think if he, again, just stops one day with the project not completed, would you blame yourself? The only reason Union County should be blamed for anything is for awarding a no-bid contract to an outfit that has proven time and time again now they are unqualified and unable to do the job they were hired to do.
If you hire a "general contractor" to renovate your house for $100,000, and the contractor says that will cover the job should you believe him? What if he tells you that your project is coming in under budget, because the beams you thought were rotten are sturdy? What would you think if after telling you that he stops working one day and says your money is all spent and he needs another $50,000 to finish the job. What would you think if he, again, just stops one day with the project not completed, would you blame yourself? The only reason Union County should be blamed for anything is for awarding a no-bid contract to an outfit that has proven time and time again now they are unqualified and unable to do the job they were hired to do.
Proven Theory #2 - If you don't work for the railroad, you don't know more than the people who do, no matter how many years you've hung around the tracks, or how well you think you understand railroading.
Rest in peace Jtgshu.
Rest in peace Jtgshu.