Another hurdle
Speaker Tom Craddick says train must be transferred to American Heritage all at once, not prorated
BY LELAND ACKER

PALESTINE - As the Texas State Railroad Authority jumps one hurdle to save the Texas State Railroad, another hurdle has been introduced by House Speaker Tom Craddick's office.

"Speaker Craddick said they were having problems with the gradual transfer of ownership," said TSRA attorney Ron Stutes during a meeting of the TSRA on Monday. "They couldn't get it through their heads on how that would work."

"He does not have the legislative authority to review this contract," said Palestine Mayor Carolyn Salter, who is an ex-officio member of the TSRA board. "The (Palestine) council will not agree to turn over the railroad en masse. We promised we wouldn't do that."

Mr. Stutes said Speaker Craddick raised the issue on Friday when Mr. Stutes contacted the speaker to advise him that Rusk and Palestine had both agreed to loan $500,000 each to the rail authority.

The board discussed possible reasons for Speaker Craddick's objections. "He is angry at State Rep. Byron Cook (R-Corsicana)," Mayor Salter said. "He is making an example of him so there will be no more breaking of the ranks." Mayor Salter was referring to a speech made by Rep. Cook during the final days of the 2007 legislative session when Rep. Cook called for Speaker Craddick's resignation.

Steve Presley, TSRA board president, suggested working out an agreement with American Heritage that would transfer full ownership of the railroad from the TSRA to American Heritage in 2011 if ridership goals are met and the loans repaid.

The board approved Mr. Presley and Charles Hassell to proceed with negotiations between the TSRA and American Heritage and the cities of Rusk and Palestine.

In another matter, the board voted to accept the right-of-way and track owned by the city of Palestine. The donated track extends in Palestine from the depot to Royal Street.

The board also voted to accept the loans from the cities of Rusk and Palestine.

Paul Schranck, TSR general manager and AHR vice president, reported more than 7,300 tickets have been sold for the Polar Express, which begins Nov. 23 from the Palestine depot.

"The only factor slowing sales is the limitation of the railroad's phone lines," said Mr. Schranck.

He said the washout at Bean's Creek will be repaired sufficiently to move a steam engine across it today (Nov. 21). Polar Express excursions will not cross Bean's Creek.

Regular runs will not resume until Dec. 1.

Board members Mr. Presley, Mr. Hassell, Marie Whitehead, Bob Goldsberry Dan Davis and Dale Brown were present at the meeting, along with ex-officio board members Dr. Salter and Rusk Mayor Angela Raiborn.

Wes Hollway was absent.

Rep. Cook thinks that Speaker Craddick's actions may be retribution aimed at him, and he told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Nov. 17, "This is really a veto, and it's being done behind closed doors.

"Do you think this would happen anywhere else? I think there is no question -- if it was in another district, that train would be flying right now."