Visclosky wants region to ride

Font Size:

BY KEITH BENMAN
kbenman@nwitimes.com
219.933.3326 | Thursday, January 31, 2008 | (64 comment(s))

HAMMOND | A day after the Indiana House passed a South Shore extension bill, U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky came to Purdue University Calumet to talk about the way forward with constituents.

Growing controversy over the plan followed the Merrillville Democrat even to the friendly confines of the college.

"I think this is very unfair to Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago because once you take the train south, those communities will never be the same," said Chuck Barman, of Crown Point, when Visclosky asked for questions.

Visclosky pointed out those communities can benefit from increased South Shore traffic, just as communities farther south will benefit from the extension to Lowell and Valparaiso.

"I actually trust local officials ... to hold our feet to the fire to do this right," Visclosky said. "Just because someone lives in Lake County, it doesn't mean they have to be a schlub about this."

Visclosky said getting the Indiana Senate to pass a funding bill would be an important step in securing $500 million in federal funds for the extension, which is estimated to cost $1 billion.

About 150 people showed for the forum sponsored by the college's Department of History and Political Science, the political science honors society and Citizens for the Extension of the South Shore Line.

Visclosky spoke for about 45 minutes before the question-and-answer period, running through a list of benefits the 51-mile extension would bring. He cited a study done by consulting firm Policy Analytics, which found 26,000 jobs would be created over a 30-year period.

"How many steel mills would we have to build to create that number of jobs?" Visclosky said.

Some questioners like Matt Svoboda, of Munster, wanted to know specifics such as how soon the extension could get built and more about the process to acquire federal funds.

Visclosky described a four-year process to obtain federal funds that will put Northwest Indiana in competition with 144 other communities in the United States.

The next step will be to apply for federal funding for a preliminary engineering study. Then application would be made for final design funds and then for the actual building of the line.

Under the bill that passed the Indiana House on Tuesday, the state would begin returning sales tax dollars to Northwest Indiana in 2009 to build the line. That money would be used for $350 million of the estimated $500 million in local funds needed.

Back to story 64 comment(s)

Please note: Comments from readers will be screened and may not be posted immediately. If you don't see your comment perhaps:

It wasn't clear, concise or focused on the topic in the story.
It was a personal attack, vulgar, explicit or degrading, used actual or implied profanity or contained potentially libelous statements.
It accused someone of being guilty of a crime.
It promoted violence or illegal acts.
It contained telephone numbers or street addresses, or e-mail addresses and links to Web sites other than nwi.com or government agencies.

In no way do these comments represent the views of The Times or Lee Enterprises.

Passionate views, pointed criticism and critical thinking are welcome. Name-calling, crude and profane language and personal abuse are not welcome.

Reader comments will not be edited - they will be approved or declined. They may be used in the print edition of the newspaper.

If you feel a posted comment has violated these guidelines, please email our New Media team the commenter's name, the comment and a link to the article.

For more information please read our Terms of Service.

not a schulb? wrote on Feb 8, 2008 1:23 AM:

" also shlub
NOUN: Slang A person regarded as clumsy, stupid, or unattractive.
ETYMOLOGY: Yiddish, from Polish zhób, trough, blockhead.

To not invest a dollar of local money, and receive a matching federal dollar back, would be schlub-like.

Over FOUR MILLIONS RIDERS a year choose to ride the south shore line, instead of, instead of driving. Let's see, that saves gas, doesn't cause more traffic. And they must be going to work, and bringing back that 39% higher income from Chicago, back to spend in NWI. "

To: Valpo wrote on Feb 7, 2008 8:42 PM:

" Afraid of change? What change? If Visclosky and company ramrod this extension through, nothing will have changed, just a bunch of constituents taking it from politicians as usual. But, this time, the people are informed, and want honest answers from their elected officials. "

To: Fear of Change wrote on Feb 7, 2008 1:32 PM:

" Well said and so correct!

Who are these folks that contributed the money for the mass mailing at a cost of $130,000 and why won't the RDA disclose this information? They are the same people that stand to make a mint if this goes through with the tax payers paying the costs! Who is really behind all of this? These days, you can pay anyone to reach whatever conclusion you wish to reach. I do not trust the magical study, commissioned by those pushing for this expansion. It is not un-biased by any stretch of the imagination. It is slanted to benefit those that asked for the study. Sure, 26,000 jobs, but they fail to say what kind and whether they are merely temporary. They avoid telling us how METRA refuses to allow more trains through at 115th. What study will tellus how they are going to do that? They can't afford that study and there in LIES the rub! "

To: No Concept wrote on Feb 7, 2008 1:23 PM:

" It is you who has NO CONCEPT! I too line in Indiana and work in Chi. The tax money you pay to IL does not get sent to Illinois. You file an IL return with a non resident form. I get a small refund from IL, usually around $50. Then I must pay Indiana, usually around $200. If my cash was being sent to Indiana I would be paying about $140. You don't know what your talking about, however, my brother in law, a CPA does! So when you get audited, you'll understand why, good luck, chump! "

fear of change wrote on Feb 7, 2008 1:06 PM:

" One of the poorest responses to legitimate criticism is that the critics simply fear change. Such statements as: "you people need to get over being scared of change" have no substance against even the angriest critic who is against this project. Charging fear or 'scarediness' of change doesn't answer the questions about the validity, or reproducability, of the 26,000 jobs claim. Doesn't address the concerns of overcost, need, or future expenses. Ignores the history of cooruption in local politics. Let's go unquestioned the concern over the RDA's role in all this. The RDA, an appointed board distributing the publics money in a manner that makes it appear to be otherwise; as in "the RDA will provide $150 million in funding". Change doesn't bother me. Minds that are incapable of honest inquiry do. "

no concept wrote on Feb 7, 2008 1:06 PM:

" Many of these posts appear to be from people who have no concept. First of all, if you live in Indiana but work in IL, you pay IN state tax, not IL. Yes, it you may have to file an IL tax form, but the money you pay to IL gets sent to IN. I've been doing this for several years.
Secondly, 4 million riders a year is very feasible when you look at the actual numbers broken down. 4 mil divided by 52 weeks divided by 5 work days, that comes to about 15,000 per day, and then divide by say 6 different runs, that's about 1200 per time slot. And the actual is probably a little lower. "

valpo wrote on Feb 7, 2008 10:37 AM:

" you people need to get over being scared of change. "

You Have My Vote, Mark! wrote on Feb 7, 2008 9:10 AM:

" I'll support you in your quest to toss Visklosky. I sent him an e-mail asking how an extension would work sense METRA says NO MORE Indiana trains than the current level could run on their tracks. I also asked if the 26,000 jobs will be permanent and what types of jobs they would be. I got a cookie cutter response thanking me for my support. Well Mr. Visklosky, I do not support you or your crazy idea until you can answer the questions. Now I'm angry and will not support Visklosky regardless. We need to get rid of him too. "

4 million riders wrote on Feb 7, 2008 8:22 AM:

" At $250 a ride those 4,000,000 rides could pay for the expansion in a year. Or $3 a ride for the next 30 years. Thanks for the update. "

HUH? wrote on Feb 7, 2008 6:49 AM:

" 4.2 MILLION RIDERS? What are you smoking? There are not even 4.2 million in the state on IN let alone NWI. I know plenty of people who work in IL and none of them works anywhere near a train station and the same can be said for most of the people who work in IL. This project is a BIG waste of money so a few can ride! "

Mark Coleman wrote on Feb 6, 2008 8:54 PM:

" I tried to get signatures at the meeting at Purdue Cal with a few supporters and was prohibited from doing so. Another guy was not allowed to hold a sign saying he was against it at the meeting. The cops told us we would have to leave if we continued. This is America? Where is our freedom of speech? I'm trying to run against Visclosky as an independent because he is a big part of the political machine that leaves people behind. I know what we need to fix NWI. Help get me in there! "

Four point two million South Shore Riders each year..... wrote on Feb 6, 2008 8:54 PM:

" Over four million riders a year on the South Shore. Hmmm, they choose to ride it, instead of driving, right?
More than four million times a year, people choose to ride the South Shore Line. Four Million Riders a year.... "

let's figure wrote on Feb 6, 2008 12:55 PM:

" 26000 jobs, that's about 800 per year; over 30 years, that's about $42,000. Have a lottery, each year give 800 recently married couples $42,000 with the limitation that it must be spent in one year, in Lake and Porter COunty. Do that for 30 years and I guarentee more than 26,000 jobs would be created. "

cp wrote on Feb 6, 2008 11:19 AM:

" go get'em chuck you would do a much better job than Visclosky!!!Being a die hard democrat Pete lost my vote and Barman would do a much better job of representing the people of lake county!!! I hope you run again Chuck!!! "

Buzz Doubt wrote on Feb 5, 2008 4:31 PM:

" Why not build in the largest "Manufacturing Skills College" in the world here instead of this waste of money? The few remaining manufacturing facilities left are crying for Pattern Makers, Die Makers, Machinists and other skill jobs. I know that the returns on this would greatly outweigh the cost per rider. BY THE WAY: Who in their right mind is going to ride 2-3 hours every day from Lowell or Valpo to Chicago? If METRA squeezes out the South Shore right of ways (which they are doing right now) it is not out the question that South Shore riders will have to transfer (at another cost) to METRA trains. Don't think this could happen? Just wait! "

Tracy wrote on Feb 5, 2008 2:24 PM:

" Both Congressman Visclosky & Governor Daniels think that the majority of NW Indiana residents want the expansion. PLEASE go to their respective websites and tell them we DON'T want the expansion. Since they obviously do not read the paper, bombarding their inboxes with emails might help!. We need to at least make this decision a referendum. "

How does Indiana benefit? wrote on Feb 5, 2008 1:21 PM:

" - Extending the SS to Lowell and Valpo will make it easier for people in those directions to work in Chicago, where the majority of the state taxes they will pay will go to ... Springfield, not Indianapolis, since Indiana and Illinois don't have a reciprocal agreement.

- Extending the SS to Lowell and Valpo will make it easier for people who already work in Chicago to come out and find homes in NW Indiana, which will ... drive housing prices up beyond the affordability of those who live and work in NW Indiana (see the Dunes in Michigan City for an example of this).

Makes you wonder which district Pete represents, NW Indiana or downtown Chicago. "

Dave wrote on Feb 5, 2008 10:11 AM:

" 26,000 jobs created in 30 years. Not a bad number. Folks we cannot be reliant on one business for all our jobs. Has it been so long that we have forgotten what happened in the 90's when steel in the Region went belly up? How many thousands of jobs were lost?
We must diversify as a community. 26,000 jobs in 30 years over many different areas is exactly what we need. You might bash Visclosky, but you need to remember he was the one that helped raise the steel tariff to stop the dumping of foreign steel in the US. "

rustcity wrote on Feb 4, 2008 4:41 PM:

" Visclosky has become a one-trick pony. He has brought few Federal dollars to his Congressional District and now he is trying to make up for this with one superboondoggle project. He needs to be more creative by fostering the development of business and significantly increasing the educational attainment of the workforce.

Regarding the 26,000 jobs and Visclosky's comment, "How many steel mills would we have to build to create that number of jobs?" Why doesn't he ask that question of the consultants who produced the 26,000 new job number? What does Pete think currently drives The Region's economy?

Pete, invest that SS Extension's $133,000/ rider into real businesses in The Region, ones which will pay taxes rather than suck them up.
"

Jefferson wrote on Feb 4, 2008 1:33 PM:

" Another big fat bloated government project wasting your already hard taxed money. If this project has huge job and money making potential a for-profit organization can come in pay for it. Listen people everything the government touches becomes ruined. We should put this to vote by the people of Lake County. My guess is the majority will never even ride it. "

SS Rider wrote on Feb 4, 2008 11:47 AM:

" I wish the congressman and others pushing this would tell the truth. Metra has limited the number of trains we can have on their tracks. We are currently at capacity. So to provide service to a new rail line there will be cuts in service to the existing line. Tell the truth this is a service cut to the existing stations. I have always supported the congressman but his disregard for people who ask valid questions concerning this project disappoints me. "

RAG - Highland wrote on Feb 4, 2008 11:42 AM:

" Hey Pete .... it seems the more you talk about this "wonderful plan" of yours the more people are becoming more aware and don't like it. Why don't you put on a ballot and let the people decide ? Not the politicians who will never have to pay for it ! "

Re: I'm for it wrote on Feb 4, 2008 8:01 AM:

" Those are the dumbest ideas for spending a billion dollars. You aren't a local union president are you? "

G Davis wrote on Feb 3, 2008 4:05 PM:

" Wheres I'm for it been livin in a Cave?After all this is done We will be flippin the bill with anther Tax increase,And there are people moving back to Illinois because there is not that much difference in taxes, Keep our taxes low? what like now!these are the type of people they depend on to ram this scam through!Everything is Disneyland! "

Ralph wrote on Feb 3, 2008 4:04 PM:

" This bill is for the benefit of only a few people and businessmen and not in the best interest of the citizens of Indiana. The projected rider ship is grossly overstated at best and the proposal, at a billion dollars, is horrendously expensive.

I commuted to Chicago for fifteen years, mostly on The South Shore and I can tell you that most of the jobs in the Loop or Downtown Chicago are not within reasonable traveling distance from the train stations. While seeking opportunities closer to my train station during that time span I found that roughly seven out of ten jobs posted in the Chicago Tribune, Monster.com and other job resource web sites were either to far away from the train stations or in the suburbs of Chicago.

It is also highly probable that because the new trains would be “express trains”, they would siphon riders seeking a shorter commute from existing stations. This situation would fill the new trains and negate any gain from new riders locating in northwest Indiana.
"

I know wrote on Feb 2, 2008 10:12 PM:

" Come on people... NW Indiana does not have the money for this...We need private sector jobs that pay living wages....our jobs are mostly public sector or very low waes with 30 years olds living home with ma and pa.

come on people wake up. "

J Knows wrote on Feb 2, 2008 10:10 PM:

" To, No steel mills...without manufacturing we have no economy. Our forefathers braved the cold to live here for high mill wages. There is no incentive to live where over 20% are on welfare, or work for the government. The rest are students running up student loans and working for $5-8 at the local retail or restaurant. I have nearly 4 yrs of college and its not getting me anything here. Those "unskilled" jobs look mighty good. "

Please! wrote on Feb 2, 2008 8:50 PM:

" NW Indiana has one of the most inferior transportation infrastructures in the country when you look at population and income. We have watched our tax dollars go to everywhere else but here. It's about time we get some investment HERE. "

Have we had enough yet wrote on Feb 2, 2008 5:58 PM:

" Over the past few days the supporters of the South Shore expansion have presented their defense on questions about the 26,000 jobs, BIG BOOM study. It's author uses the 30+ year outlook for job creation as a supporting leg. This is ridiculous. On what basis can he commit my tax dollars on such an extreme prediction. No reasonable enterprise, individual or civil organization commits such a vast resource to that legnthy a prediction. Five years. What can it do in five years? To fullfill it's objectives as the area population grows we'll be forced to commit more tax dollars, about then, for maintenance and expansion. Who did this study that they could possibly predict the economic response to such events as may occur in the next 30 years. This idea smells of the corrupt madness that makes our region disadvantaged. Spend the billion dollars developing new political talent and dismantling this elite RDA garbage. "

Ex-Schlub wrote on Feb 2, 2008 11:34 AM:

" "Just because someone lives in Lake County, it doesn't mean they have to be a schlub about this."
I am against this waste of money, I live in Lake Co. but I also ride the South Shore everyday. I must be a schlub. Do you think I'll vote for a money grubbing political hack that calls his constituents "schlubs"
"

JUST SAY NO - TOOT-TOOT! wrote on Feb 2, 2008 10:09 AM:

" SORRY, I REFUSE TO DRINK THE KOOL AID! Wait till you see the train-like procession leaving the area. The promoters and those in favor of this expansion CAN GO FOR A RIDE .... TOOTLES! "

Old Dawg wrote on Feb 2, 2008 9:04 AM:

" I saw Visclosky at Purdue-Cal the other night. He said he's taken the train once in 20 years. He referred to the "Dunes Plaza" station. Hmmm. Spend a billion dollars and this guy doesn't know diddly-squat about the train. As for the 26,480 jobs (the RDA Policy Analytics report say 26,480, not 26,000), as the previous poster said, they are over 30 years, cumulative. I too wonder where this number came from. Something about a Texas Transportation Institute study feeding numbers into a REMI model (REMI = Regional Economic Models, Inc.) that spits out 26,480 jobs over 30 years. OD "

Dobis Legislation wrote on Feb 2, 2008 7:52 AM:

" In the event that Dobis gets his way and they pass the sales tax realllotment, does anyone know whether this is contingent on the federal funding being approved? In the event that Visclosky cnnot get the feds to cough up 500 million ( a high likely considering his 25 year track record of not delivering), what happens to the 30% of tax maoney. Does it go to the RDA? Will it end up funding Mayor Batistatos' Convention Center in Merrillville? If you knw the answer let me know? "

Referendum wrote on Feb 2, 2008 7:47 AM:

" Since there is no way the politicans will put this to a referendum vote, someone should put their name on the ballot against Visclosky. Pete would not be in jeopardy of losing, but at least if everyone knew the other candidate was agaisnt the rail plan then we could see how many votes it gets in a Democratic primary. It wouldn't be a true referendum, but it would send a message. "

Paul wrote on Feb 2, 2008 7:44 AM:

" The current infrastructure of this region could use these billions of dollars. Why is it that government can "find" funding for projects like this, but cannot fund proper funding to improve our roads, bridges and rail systems currently in place? This would also add jobs, correct? "

Just Wait wrote on Feb 2, 2008 7:17 AM:

" This thing is nothing but a huge CASH COW for the politically connected and the construction firms. Wait and see who starts buying up or getting control of the rights of way for these trains and then selling them back to the state at hugely inflated prices. "

john boy wrote on Feb 2, 2008 1:06 AM:

" We should be looking at a high speed Railline from Indianapolis to Chicago .
Not expanding a 100 year old train system that takes forever to get you to work, when it not broke down. The dream of a good job in Chicago is crap when you ride the trains every day ,the reality is it sucks. Maybe Pete should ride it for a week. "

I'm For It! wrote on Jan 31, 2008 1:47 PM:

" I'm with those who say "Don't speak for all tax payers!" Look this bill not only pays for the expansion but for fixes to the existing line. All those who talk about the train's condition are right but forget that they have new trains coming later this year. But also look at the fact that the bill is using our tax $$$ that downstate has been using for years! At least now we get something for it. If this expansion is done right it will attract those IL $$ because or taxes are cheap compared to IL. Find a house comparable to your's in IL and find out how much they pay in property tax. With the rail service they will move here and keep our taxes low. While they are at it, put advertising on the trains and the right of ways that are visible to traffic to pay for upkeep. "

JB wrote on Jan 31, 2008 1:29 PM:

" If Visclosky really wants to garner support for this, have him push for a repeal on the emission requirements for Lake/Porter Coounties. After all, if so many local residents will be riding the train instead of driving, emissions will be reduced. Right? "

To: tyler wrote on Jan 31, 2008 1:20 PM:

" Well Tyler, I am one of the naysayers that you claim are in the minority. If that is the case, why not put this to a voter referendum? If the majority is for this, let's vote. This will cost us plenty. Why is the RDA afraid to tell us who paid for the postage for the propaganda they sent out and if so many are in favor, there would be no need for the propaganda now would there? Are you afraid of the voter referendum? Who decided 22,000 jobs would be resulting from this and WHAT kind of jobs? No one answers this question. How will more trains go through the corridor at 115th on Metra's tracks? Metra says NO more! Why do you and others avoid answering these questions? Sell your snake oil to someone else until you can answer the foregoing! "

Vis-scam-sky wrote on Jan 31, 2008 1:04 PM:

" Our governMENTAL system is so screwed up. It only seems right that a project of this magnitude should be put on the ballot so those of us affected could vote on it. It shouldn't be left up to our moronic elected officials to decide this is good for us, when, in reality, it's only good for them. They'd never put it up for referendum because they know the few that want it are far short of a winning vote. And how dare he call people in Lake County "schlubs". The so-called schlubs are footing the bill for his paycheck. "

to tyler wrote on Jan 31, 2008 1:03 PM:

" You are mis-informed! You right about one thing it won't cost us naysayers a nickle it will be way more than that! I will make shure it does not come to that though as will the rest of the naysayer majority. We will vote this monster down! "

EC wrote on Jan 31, 2008 12:45 PM:

" I can't believe the only people that read this article are the ones opposed to the train extension. If the percentage of people commenting negative is higher that the positive, then that tells me that more people are opposed to extending the rail line. Put it to public vote in the next election.
"

KARINK8 wrote on Jan 31, 2008 12:02 PM:

" I sent Mr. Visclosky an email challenging he and his fellow politicians (the ones he trusts, I guess) to ride the South Shore at rush hour back and forth for 1 week - just so they could see what the current problems are. Wonder why I haven't heard back . . . "

tyler wrote on Jan 31, 2008 11:53 AM:

" it's a good thing this comment section is not indicative of the area's sentiments as a whole, because if it was we'd be in huge trouble. and it's comical when people write on here acting as if they are speaking for everyone else. the way i see it, there is a small group of people opposed to this project for various reasons, and i sincerely hope area leaders are able to look past their dark vision for our future and actually do something that will benefit every person in the region, regardless of if they ever step foot on the train (and not to mention this won't cost any of you naysayers a nickel).
"

1 More thing, Pete wrote on Jan 31, 2008 11:21 AM:

" who will need to ride the train when we get the 26,000 jobs? Let me see, thats over 30 years right, so we are talking 867 jobs per year at a cost of $38,461 per job, per year. And, in case I missed it, how much, on average, will these jobs pay per year? How about just drawing names from a hat and award 22,000 people 38,000 per year to do nothing? We will be well over $3 million ahead. Your argument makes as much sense as mine does! Although mine is cheaper "

rs wrote on Jan 31, 2008 11:18 AM:

" Just take a train ride and see all the wonderous developement along the right of way. Whom are they kidding! I don't recall ever being asked if I ride the SouthShore by my employer when promotions were being given. If any of the voters buy this garbage then they deserve to be represented by Visclosky and all the other special interest politicians. "

Hey AP wrote on Jan 31, 2008 11:11 AM:

" Like Mark, I know many many people that do not want this expansion. I would like to see it put on the May primary for the people of Lake and Porter counties to vote on. The vote should finally end the squabble over this expansion of the South Shore. "

I.M. Curious wrote on Jan 31, 2008 10:54 AM:

" A half a million dollars in local funds? What local funds? Has any one seen the Gary Bus that was Federally Funded to establish a route to Crown Point? Four to five riders. And that was during work traffic. Does that tell you something Pete? "

In the know wrote on Jan 31, 2008 10:29 AM:

" Again this is proposed to cost double to put a dirt hill on the Illinois side instead of going down the Pennsey line and saving HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS. "

#1 taxpayer wrote on Jan 31, 2008 10:28 AM:

" Dude you are so out of it. This is a project the taxpayers don't want. Take a vote and I will guarantee the NO's have it by at least 100 to 1. Sorry, keep driving to Chicago because the rest of us are not gonna pay for your train. Not now not ever! "

stopbigbrother wrote on Jan 31, 2008 10:21 AM:

" Has he been on the South Shore lately - the service is terrible - late, dirty, and expensive relative to Metra.
"

re No Steel Mills wrote on Jan 31, 2008 10:19 AM:

" We don't want more steel mills but jobs that pay a living wage you dolt! Nobody here said they wanted more mills. We just don't want 26,000 low paying jobs we need living wage jobs here in NWI. If this train won't bring them then why bother? "

AP wrote on Jan 31, 2008 9:48 AM:

" Mark from Highland wrote on Jan 31, 2008 7:27 AM:
" This is a project the taxpayers don't want."

It is always entertaining to me when the 10 or so people pose for ALL taxpayers. I am a taxpayer, and I know numerous other tax payers who DO want this brought to the region.

Argue all you want about your opinions, but do NOT make assumptions for all taxpayers. "

No Steel Mills wrote on Jan 31, 2008 9:37 AM:

" I noticed that many people on this messgae board complain that the jobs offered by this expansion do not compare to "steel mill wages". You need to recognize that the steel mills are no longer able to provide jobs for people as they once did. Creating more mill jobs is not the answer, but rather creating alternative jobs is the best solution. We need to offer tax incentives for businesses to move from high tax areas (like Illinois and Michigan) and establish their operations in Northwest Indiana. This will provide the opportunity for more jobs. Additionally, we need to move away from unskilled positions to jobs that require 4 year degrees. By creating higher level positions, these individuals will invest their incomes in the local economy for a trickle down effect. Although the expansion project may not offer all the solutions the area needs, it is a step in the right direction. "

KARINK8 wrote on Jan 31, 2008 9:07 AM:

" As ridiculous as the story he's trying to get us to swallow about jobs - have he or his fellow politicians - the ones he trusts - ever ridden the South Shore during rush hour? We currently can't get to work on time and it's standing room only a lot of the time, but somehow the expansion is going to magically solve all the problems the South Shore faces? Seriously, are people buying this thing? After selling out the people who ride from Hammond and East Chicago - how does this guy sleep at night? The Times posted the names of all the politicians who voted for it - REMEMBER THEM ON ELECTION DAY. "

Impressed wrote on Jan 31, 2008 8:44 AM:

" Im impressed that I am not the only one that thinks this deal stinks! Now we all need to email our state senators to let them know, before its too late! "

Mark from Highland wrote on Jan 31, 2008 7:27 AM:

" This is a project the taxpayers don't want. What are the jobs this project going to bring? Jobs in Indiana or jobs in Illinois? Are we subsidings Illinois job transportation? Two question not answered from the congressman. Do you have a committment from Metra for this expansion. Second, why isn't the main line of the south shore overhauled first before the expansion? The illusion of these problems will be clear after the politions get there way and the taxpayers will pick up the bill. "

Beth wrote on Jan 31, 2008 6:55 AM:

" "How many steel mills would we have to build to create that number of jobs?" Visclosky said. At least steel mills pay a living wage! You can't live on $6 an hour Pete. Strip malls, fast food and coffee shops whoo hoo! And just how many jobs are there in Chicago that would make this extension even worthwhile? Last I checked it was not easy finding a job in the big city. Also what makes you think People in NWI are going to get those high paying Chicago jobs? Oh thats right, they can work in NWI for $6 an hour. "

John B. wrote on Jan 31, 2008 6:44 AM:

" Pete Visclosky trusts local officials? From Lake County?
Pete Visclosky: A card-carrying member of the Region's Political Machine! "

Puzzled wrote on Jan 31, 2008 6:19 AM:

" 26,000 jobs. Yea, all in law enforcement because the gangs from EC and Hammond would start to take the train south to do their crimes. "

david werner wrote on Jan 31, 2008 6:19 AM:

" As soon as the project is started I will move out of nwi because I cannot afford to pay for it "

Jobs? wrote on Jan 31, 2008 6:17 AM:

" So, 26,000 more jobs? Mr.Visclosky,are you saying those jobs will pay as much as steel mill jobs? I think not! "

Unbelievable wrote on Jan 31, 2008 5:57 AM:

" 26,000 jobs? for a billion dollars. Do the math taxpayers, it's going to cost you over $38,000 for each one of those jobs. If you believe this train to nowhere is going to bring in that many jobs then I would like to sell you some ocean front property in Arizona. "

Back to story 64 comment(s)

Post a comment Once your comments are approved, they will appear here.

Marketplace

Sections

Services

Other Publications

Search