(The following article by Barbara Simonetti was posted on the Shelby Promoter website on May 25.)
SHELBY, Mont. — Montanans along the Hi-Line will have the chance to make their opinions known about the Bush administration’s proposed elimination of all funding to Amtrak during the upcoming Amtrak Whistlestop Tour, which will be in Shelby Wednesday, June 1.
Amtrak proponents cite the Empire Builder line as a lifeline for those who live in rural and often isolated communities along the Hi-Line. The Bush administration wants Amtrak force-weaned off the federal subsidy bottle. Those on both sides of the railroad tracks are fierce in their beliefs.
On one side, should the federal government continue to subsidize the railway when it isn’t likely to show a profit any time soon? On the other side, should people in rural areas, often without other travel options, have to do without a way to get to medical appointments in larger cities, get their children to and from college, or just have a convenient way to travel?
At what cost to individuals should the government attempt to shrink the federal government’s bloated budgetary waistline? Put another way, at what cost profit, and when is that cost-on both sides of the issue-too high?
The voice of many elected officials has been noticeably muted, perhaps pressured by the simultaneous clash of the Bush administration’s demand that Amtrak simply go away, and their constituency’s need to save the line that 129,000 Montanans used last year alone.
But the voice of elected officials isn’t the only sound that will be heard in Shelby on Wednesday. The Whistlestop Tour is the chance for people to speak with Gov. Brian Schweitzer, Lt. Gov. John Bollinger, as well as Amtrak and Shelby officials.
They’re hoping there will be a large turnout in towns from Glasgow to Whitefish. The issue is pressing enough that Bollinger has said they will have people stay in cities overnight where there is a large enough turnout to require more time to get opinions documented.
However people may feel about Amtrak and its impact on the Hi-Line, personally, economically, historically, or any other “ally,” the Whistlestop in Shelby will be an opportunity for concerned residents to turn out and make their voices heard.
Not so long ago, before television, before the Internet and e-mail, whistlestops were used for campaigning, informing and garnering opinions and support for causes, reaching out to connect those who make policy with those they represent. On Wednesday, a bit of history will be repeated, and those stopping along cities on the Hi-Line are hoping they’ll be greeted by many voices from both sides of the proverbial railroad tracks.
Amtrak Whistlestop Itinerary
4 p.m. Amtrak Appreciation Reception, Shelby Elks Club
5:25 p.m. Arrival of Westbound Amtrak train, Shelby Train Depot
5:45 p.m. Train continues on to East Glacier