The proposed route for hi-speed rail is along the existing Caltrain
right-of-way. This commuter line has been there for over 160 years.
Opposition to use of this route for hi-speed rail comes mostly from
those who have chosen to live relatively close to this line. And most of their complaints center around noise and the aesthetics. Hi-speed rail would require grade seperation at all crossings. No longer would you have trains blaring their horn through crossings as well as the noise of the crossing bells as well. Vehicle traffic would move smoother. As far as the visual, I acknowlege that at first it would seem unsightly, but over time it would not be a thought. Travel around the east coast, you don't notice trains.
Yet they're all around you. Grade seperated. Above you, below you.
Over time it all blends in.

Just what kind of weight does his elected position carry?
Not much, I understand.
Sort of to get him out of the investigations of the Supervisors office is the gossip.

Murphy - many of us who oppose the HSR plans do not live close to the Caltrain tracks at all. The main reason everyone should oppose this is a business case that does not make any sense, mainly because the assumptions underlying it are entirely faulty. Further, the state cannot afford to subsidize the train, which would inevitably be required. There are far better uses of federal and state funding such as for greatly-needed local and regional transit, and other social support such as for education. We simply cannot afford all these things and HSR, too.
Last, the HSR proposed does not fit within the footprint of Caltrain and the freight trains. It would totally alter the character of our towns and wipe out a number of businesses and private homes. Alternate routes such as along (or over) highways such as 101 or 280 seem not to have been studied at all.
I am very hopeful that Rich Gordon will bring common sense to this mess.

Mr. Gordon says so much with so few words.And this topic has not moved since Dec.24.but remain out in front.
I think changes are due and if only two comments have been posted, it could mean nothing, but when in Washington last, a friend of the ex Mayor told a friend of the mayor before him that..Wait...that is all heresay. Let me just say that it isn't over according to some very very annoyed Democrats, of all people.
I think he was a Leo with Saggittarius rising.

I am having a group of citizens follow all of our elected officials, at no cost, scrutinize MR.GORDON'S work and go over every decision, just as we are going to independently establish private citizens organize to find out what each elected official is doing and what they are costing Californians for how and why we deserve them to represent us.
It is something which was once something which was expected to happen with the jobs where elections were involved.
I am the least powerful voice in a rich and unhappy group of Americans who are going to be an adamant to check that waste of tax payer's money is not spent promoting future elected officials, but to stop any waste and, MOST OF ALL, corruption and the integrity of the salaries paid for work done.
The list of participants who think along the same lines are no longer going to settle for a country run by those who are already beginning to drop out of politics.
There is a way out of this particularly in CALIFORNIA and it will begin in every single person's home, and tax records.Most of you already have 1099 forms for your employees to fill out and going back several years. I am sure Peter Carpenter will stand behind this 100 %.
FILMED AND WITNESSED

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