As widely anticipated, the government announced that High Speed Rail would make a debut in Florida, and along the I-4 corridor. I’ve supported High Speed rail despite plenty of critics, although I admit that the announcement sounded more like a re-election kick-off speech than a policy statement on economic development and infrastructure investment. It obviously creates well-deserved jobs in the region and it helps solidify our position as a global super-region – a status I oft-encourage in this space.
But, as I see it, we’re on the cusp of killing the goose before we ever get a golden egg. These two stories unfortunately foretell what amounts to a food fight over where a proposed Polk County High Speed Rail stop should be located.
• Officials Differ Over Best Location of Polk County Stop for High-Speed Rail
• Haven Chamber Backs USF For High-Speed Rail Stop
The fact is that we’re lucky we’re even getting a stop. As you know, the Federal government didn’t give us enough money to build the entire system. And California’s application was also partially funded. Already pitching for the next round of funds, Gov. Schwarzenegger touts its system as the only “true” high speed rail. And the trouble is, he’s correct. Ours won’t go as fast as his. Why? There are too many stops for it to achieve speeds over 200 mph on such a short route. But we are fighting with ourselves about where our stop – one that will slow the system down – will be. That just doesn’t seem smart to me.
My perspective: We need to respect and thoughtfully participate in a process with FDOT through which we carefully analyze the available alternatives for the rail stop. We should foster a timely, yet analytical process that details the costs, benefits, advantages and disadvantages of every proposed alternative. We should respect the outcome of a contemplative process and be thankful that we’ll benefit at all from a stop on the region’s bullet train – no matter where it is.
Bio: I’m a Christian, a husband, a father, a son, a real estate consultant, and now, an amateur writer. As well, I am a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 63, or parts of Polk and Hillsborough Counties. My goal in this space is to provide my insight and comment on events shaping our larger region. I hope to consistently remind my community that we live in a connected world and that our commitment to being a player in the Metro I-4 super-region will make all the difference in the world. Selfishly, I also hope to further develop my skills as an amateur writer - a muse with which I’ve always tinkered but, until now, never published. I hope you find depth in my insights and sincerity in their offering. And I hope you’ll let me know how I’m doing… email: mckeel@metroi4news.com
Aaron J Bates
6 months ago
Well said. I actually was planning on writing a similar piece. I believe you hit the head on the nail with this piece. In fact I expected more from leaders here. We have heard a resounding note of Regionalism, in both the election cycle and in the private sector. Though I only see parochialism in elected officials and worse silence from our business leaders.
The issue should be one that the entire county rallies around, not another issue that divides us.
Bev Hendricks
6 months ago
You said it much better than I could. I hope this train will help to unify our terribly fractured County.
Jason
6 months ago
I agree, wholeheartedly. Its humorously frustrating to see that less than 24 hours after the announcement, it went from where in Polk County the stop is going to be to where in Lakeland. Granted, the best place may be somewhere in Lakeland, but the arrogance to assume that it is Lakeland’s stop is going to do exactly what you stated; divide the county even more.
Besides, look how much money Kermit has spent trying to develop Orlampa, we can’t just let that all go to waste.
Frank Howell
6 months ago
As is the case of any governmental project, there will be many that want the proposed stop at a particular location purely for financial gains. This decision should be made purely from one standpoint – What is best for “We the people” not from – “How can I make money from this”. Unfortunately in the end it will not be a common sense decision, but rather who will make more cents.
Don Selvage
6 months ago
Well said, Seth. I agree that we must step back and let the process work. Lakeland Mayor Gow Fields has said that a local spat over where the stop goes could endanger our chances for getting any stop at all and he’s right. I’m disappointed that individuals are coming out for a partiuclar location before FDOT completes its study. Let’s get the facts out, then all support what’s best for Polk County.
Seth
6 months ago
Thanks all for the feedback and dialogue!