Dear Mr. Killian,

I was rather shocked to see your support for House Bill 422. I was expecting to see the support for this bill by those who are in counties not served by Amtrak. The looks of the primary and cosponsors of the bill, you stand out. How does your proposal align with the needs of Charlotte/Mecklenberg county?

I have traveled via Amtrak many times over the last two years. I am not dependent upon it for long travel, mostly due to the low speed. I understand that this upgrade does not stand to provide a great increase in service or noticeable benefit to the user, however it does stand as an needed upgrade to the infrastructure within North Carolina. Additionally there have been reports, by the Association of American Railways, of increased usage of the railways.

Your stand does not seem to conform to the following interests:

  1. Your personal interest in occupation [high speed rail is a selling point if there is a terminal in your area, its a way to get to either Atlanta or Washington DC (if you sell it right)]
  2. The interests of the people that you represent [Mecklenburg Residents use public transport, if it is well maintained (we have the “Gold Rush Trolley” in addition to the light rail)
  3. It does not fit the interest in the creation of jobs or investment in NC infrastructure. Improvements

Unless there is another reason, it appears to me that you are riding on the coat tails of the national party [republicans] rather than representing the people that voted you in. If this is the case, shame on you. Additionally if this is the case, you have motivated me to participate in the next election to campaign for your competitor and vote for them.

The grant is an easy way of getting money for improvements. Where else will you get this kind of benefit without resorting to interest barring municipal bonds?