"The state is committing taxpayers to massive debt for generations, while private special-interest corporations profit."

Letter to the Editor: Rail fund is bad business

10/12/2005

San Antonio Express-News
Copyright 2005


Re: David Hendricks' column "A vote for rail relocation fund is a vote to boost S.A. economy" (Business, Oct. 5):

Would you agree to buy a car without seeing a price tag? I wouldn't either. How about buying a car without a price tag for a neighbor?

Proposition 1 is just that, but worse. It's an open-ended corporate subsidy scheme — with blank checks. Taxpayers will pay unlimited tax dollars to move private rail lines — in some cases into Gov. Rick Perry's controversial Trans Texas Corridor.

Perry promised that no public funds would be used. Did he keep his promise? No. The corridor is in direct opposition to Texas' Republican Party platform. While private special-interest corporations profit, families pay more as they help fund the largest land grab in Texas history — Perry's Trans Texas Corridor.

It gets worse. Our state debt commitment also will be open-ended for the Proposition 1 rail fund, like a credit card with no ceiling. The state is committing taxpayers to massive debt for generations, while private special-interest corporations profit. I agree that private rail, in some cases, should be relocated, but not without a price tag or terms or limits. It's fiscally irresponsible and bad business.

Let's get real. Vote no to special interests' unlimited taxes and debt.

Sal Costello, founder,

People for Efficient Transportation

and TexasTollParty.com,

Austin

San Antonio Express-News: www.mysanantonio.com