Letter sent to President Richard Nixon by Charles Sivley

Transportation Miad City of Greenville GrowinGREENVILLE™ MUNICIPALLY OWNED Greenville, Texas 75401 January 31, 1974 The President The White House Washington, D. C. 20000 Dear Mr. President: As an elected official I have had an opportunity to see government in action. I believe that through vigilance and hard work we can have fairness and justice in our democracy. A democracy must, however, consider the public. This letter is to inform you of recent activities in our community that have failed to bring about a fair and just de- cision. Greenville, Texas has tried every avenue short of writing you, Mr. President. Our Congressmen have lended their support but their efforts have been to little or no avail. This letter is our last resort! We realize the importance of your many duties, and this is why you have been our last resort. The problem is that we are trying to obtain AMTRAK service for our community via the St. Louis-Laredo route. Our staff has prepared figures in the area of $5,000,000 that we feel are very repre- sentative. The Southern Pacific Railway Company has told AMTRAK that it will cost $15,000,000 to upgrade the tracks in our area for passenger service. The Southern Pacific is presently operating freight service on the same tracks at maximum allowable speeds, but will not allow passenger service to do the same. The Federal Railroad Administration has published information indicating that passenger trains are safer than freight trains on the same tracks. In fact, FRA regulations allow passenger trains to travel at higher speeds. In view of this contradiction, our citizens are either being subjected to dangerous rail freight service, or we are being misled. In either case, the public is having to pay an extremely high price. We have presented this case to everyone involved. It seems that no one is willing to acknowledge the facts and take action based on existing laws. We feel that the Southern Pacific estimate is unjust and is simply a figure that will prevent AMTRAK from using this route. However, in view of the fuel crisis we feel this rail service is extremely essential to our community and this public need is being pushed aside by both groups. The President January 31, 1974 Page 2 On the one hand, AMTRAK chooses not to question the Southern Pacific figures but to simply take another route. The other side is that Southern Pacific's figures will prevent their tracks from being imposed upon by AMTRAK. Neither group is willing to consider the public and its needs. Mr. President, we are a small community with basic needs and beliefs. We support you in your present situation, and I intend to continue to support you, regardless of the outcome of this AMTRAK issue. Any support you can bring to our camp will be appreciated. In a time when your office is being questioned and has come under fire by so many, I want to express to you that, as an American and citizen, I shall support your office and STAND STEADFAST. As an elected official in a democratic system, I feel it is unjust for your office not to receive support from all persons. In my opinion, you have taken many steps that have made our country strong. I appreciate your hard work, loyality to country and willingness to stand up for the duties, rights, and responsi- bilities duties. of your office. My prayers are with you in your near impossible Your consideration of the plight of my community and surrounding areas appreciated. (one being East Texas State University at Commerce, Texas) will be humbly Yours for a better Greenville, Charles Charles Sirlay Sivley Mayor