Show support for AMTRAK through Genoa

P.S. Amtrak to Chicago would cost more than Metra but, Amtrak to Chicago would be less money than parking alone compared to driving.

I love Amtrak. I went to Colorado two years ago on Amtrak and saved a bunch of money, approximately $200 over flying. It took longer but I could see the countryside on the way and there were no assigned seats, unlike on an airplane. Parking at Plano was free, so add at least another $80 saved in taking the train over flying.

I brought an Abraham Lincoln scholar to Illinois for Lincoln's 200th birthday and sent him to different places all over the state. That was possible only because of Amtrak. There was no way I could take two weeks off work to drive the scholar to various places to give lectures. With Amtrak, there was a means of transportation.

One question about Amtrack coming to this area. Who is going to pay for the infrastructure needed to support this? Plus it is 2009 who realy uses Amtrack? If you check prices a lot of times it is cheaper and faster to fly to your destination. I am all for bringing buisinesses and jobs to our communities, but Government subsidized programs usualy cost more than what they provide in jobs.

I think improving the rail transportation could be a mixed bag. In general, I'm in favor, and probably will sign the petition for the Genoa route. Still, I worry. It seems to me already existing fast and easy nearby transportation (particularly I88) has facilitated gangs and an overabundance of low income issues in what were once predominately mono cultural farm communities with little crime. Would rail service to Genoa play a part in these sorts of problems?

Similar federal and state directives regarding financial assistance programs for low income residents and students (or their visiting friends from the larger cities) who take the money and then ignore their work or studies also play a part in our rising crime rate in DeKalb county. I don't suppose we'd get much of an acknowledgment from NIU, District 428, or Kish College on the tie-in to easy transportation, but I'm quite sure they're connected to our rising crime rate. Too bad there are some bad apples in the bunch. Very unfortunate for the worthy ones who truly need help.

But back to the trains…maybe an Amtrak line to Galena with a stop in Genoa has no down side. But extending the Union Pacific past Elburn to DeKalb would certainly be a 'whole 'nother story'! If Metra, or any regular commuter rail service came from Chicago to Genoa, then I think we could get into some of these negative issues.

This rail issue really reminds me of the 40 acre zoning rule…an attempt to control development and the additional costs that come with it. I'm all in favor of improving the county (read: more/better jobs and lower taxes) and a rail line through Genoa could help with that. However, we have to be careful it doesn't unintentionally create some unfunded mandate to manage attending problems.

I would feel a lot better if, for instance, our local police agencies (especially NIU) were given clear marching orders and the support needed to really crack down on the rising crime rate and domestic disturbances. We truly need to get a handle on these things before we further diversify the population of this county by creating yet another method of easy transportation.

So, if I were making the decision on where to route a new train, I'd look at which communities are exhibiting the best municipal and county government management practices; e.g.: budget, policing, fire, emergency response, and the like. It surely wouldn't be the City of DeKalb under the present administration! Genoa, I really don't know…Belvidere??? Which community has the best chance of bearing the financial partnership? Building a new depot, parking, etc. And most of all, humanely but securely handling the people that will come with the train.

You are so right Phil. Too bad the comical sorry Chronicle isn't really jumping on this yet. I've signed the petition and am continuing to let people know they should also. I'd like to take the train out west a couple times with my kids. Would be great to catch it in Genoa.

In case anyone has not really noticed Genoa has been going nowhere, if not regressing. Foreclosures, home values devalued and the bankruptcy of River bend development. We need some kind of boost to get this town going again, support the rail road.

I would rather see Metra come to DeKalb County but I would rather see Amtrak come to Genoa compared to nothing.

Amtrack round trip between Naperville and Chicago is $22.00 Metra Round Trip Naperville to Chicago Ticket is $9.50. I hope everyone knows there is a differance between Amtrack and Metra.

Pevo