Friends group struggles without quorum to vote
BY LELAND ACKER

The uncertainty of the future of the Texas State Railroad has taken its toll on its friends group as there were not enough members present to constitute a quorum for the second consecutive month at their regular meeting on Thursday.

The friends discussed the possibility of advertising in the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) newsletter which would be distributed at the Rusk location. Discussion was made about the effects of such advertising and whether the group did the right thing in investigating the opportunity. Nonetheless, the group was unable to make a decision because there was no quorum.

Charles Hassell said the Texas State Railroad Operating Agency selected American Heritage as the frontrunner of the companies that the state would negotiate an agreement with to operate the train.

"We are continuing to obtain additional information from American Heritage," Mr. Hassell said. "I suspect in two or three weeks, Steve Presley and I will make another trip to Austin."

Friends President Al Holmes said out of a possible score of 425, American Heritage scored a 379.

"American Heritage was the only company that gave an audited financial statement," he said. "I heard they were even given an outstanding business award for their operation in Durango."

Robert Crossman, state railroad superintendent, reported on the state of the Texas State Railroad.

"We have not lost any more employees, but we have not filled any of our vacant positions," he said. Mr. Crossman said media attention has died off, due to the announcement of American Heritage as the frontrunner for becoming the private operator of the train.

"Many think we are saved. It's not quite that cut and dried," Mr. Crossman said. "We continue to lean forward into the wind and hope it all works out."

Mr. Crossman announced the "Kids Ride Free" program will take place again this summer. The next meeting of the Friends of the Texas State Railroad will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 5, at the Rusk Depot.