Ohio's new Republican governor, John Kasich. Don't know much about him, but what I've heard so far, I like. He sent back federal stimulus money earmarked for a 3C rail connecting Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland. The one that NOBODY would ever ride. Think about it, it's at most a 2-hour drive between each of these cities. Let's say it's $15 for a 1-way Cincy to Columbus. Then, tack on the added cost of getting to the Cincy station by cab, and then another cab from the Columbus station to your final destination. It doesn't make economic sense for individuals to ride it. Granted, some people don't have cars. Well, there's the Megabus and other bus companies, for a lot cheaper. Until fuel costs, population density, and traffic, make something like this make economic sense for individuals, I'll always be opposed to it. And I like trains too.
Now, this guy thinks Kasich's move was stupid becausejobs were lost in Ohio. Personally, I don't care. Look at the big picture. I know the governor represents his state, but he also represents common sense and his country. I'd rather see jobs created in another state if their project will actually be useful. Or, better yet, have that money sent back to Washington and used to the reduce federal deficit. Look at the big picture.
A long time ago, in the early 1900's, Cincinnati spent a great deal of money to build a subway system. The Wikipedia article calls it "one of the city's biggest embarrassments." Let's learn from that mistake. A thorough estimate of cost and projected payback period for should be completed for any large-scale government and private project. Voters should not be allowed to vote on the issue until they've reviewed the projections and can take an educated position.
