Please find attached information concerning an initiative to bring passenger rail service to Missouri. This is an outstanding opportunity to bring railroad jobs to the state.
Additionally, I would appreciate your consideration in putting a link to our site on your web-page.

Contact Information:
Steve Reed 417-832-8458

Brad Todd 417-863-9402

We are looking to hire a Fund Raiser right away---send your Resume.

A Grass Roots Group called Missourians for Rail Passenger Service needs help getting an issue on the ballot. We have the support of over 125 Team Captains statewide. Our campaign has reached a life or death status. We need help with signature gathering, fund raising, and Campaign Committee Formation in cities across Missouri. Please find the additional e-mails which include a Fact Sheet, Economic Stimulus Editorial, and a letter to possible business supports.

At this moment we have the City of Aurora---The Aurora, Lebanon, and Rolla Chambers endorsing the effort. The City Manager of Hollister said a week ago he will get the City of Hollister to endorse---The Springfield and Cuba Chambers are looking at it. We were supposed to be in Crane on January 28, 2002 to talk with the City Council in Don Johnson’s hometown. The City of Sullivan e-mailed January 16, 2002 and says they are looking at possible endorsement.

One week ago today we were at the Governor’s Conference on Transportation and spoke with State Representative Ester Hill Haywood and Larry Crawford who took the petition and said they support the effort. We spoke with W. Larry Foster Director of the United Transportation Union in Missouri. Since then Mr. Foster has mailed the petitions and information along to their Locals in Springfield and Saint Louis Missouri. Speaker Jim Kreider agrees that it is a good idea to let the people vote on this issue.

“JOBS” In Missouri---We are asking Railroad Unions in Missouri and their International Union Headquarters to help get signatures and to help raise money to get the issue on the November 2002 Statewide Ballot. We are getting reports that Burlington just laid off a number of workers. We have one man who lives in Nixa who has secured some signatures. He says that if we had Passenger Service himself and others who get laid off in the winter would likely have work helping run the trains.
All the Railroad Unions would as you know have involvement in the running and maintenance of such service.

“Economic Stimulus” President George Bush says we need more open and free trade---that sounds like what Herbert Hoover said right before we went into the depression. What we need is to create JOBS NOW and people have been saying for decades they want Passenger Service back. Lets let the People vote on it---get traffic off roads---the OIL COMPANIES HAVE HAD THEIR WAY LONG ENOUGH.

“JOBS” National---We are contacting Railroad Unions across the United States because if this issue goes on the ballot in Missouri and passes then our plans would be to form Campaign Committees in a year or two to work on similar issues in other states. We want Passenger Service back in our lifetimes! We ask the out of state Unions to consider $50 or $100 contributions or what ever your members may want to help with. We are asking members to consider sending letters to the editor across the nation about Passenger Service coming back and if they want to mention our website www.mopassenegrrail.4t.com that would help.

We ask Union Leaders and Members to make note of the website--- www.capwiz.com
You can type Letters to the Editor about this issue or others go to Media Guide select a state and cut and paste to all main Media in that state. Remember to check remember me and you can send to all in one state in a few minutes.

1. Julia Street of Lebanon has spent 7 years promoting Rail Service---In 1997 she testified to the Total Transportation Public meetings and at that meeting Mayor Ganaway and Mayor Schaefer of Branson spoke of the importance Rail Passenger Service could be to the area.

2. Ronnie Dean, Pastor of Silver Springs Chapel---Was in Vietnam War and was President of Letter Carriers Local 203 and various offices in that organization for over 23 years.

3. Brad Todd---Works as Letter Sorter and was Local Postal Union Newsletter Editor for a number of years---he is one of the main contact people for the “Union” portion of our campaign. 417-863-9402

4. Billie Babb who has worked so hard for many years and has inspired so many women to get involved in politics supports this effort. She is right we need to get bi players involved and she says you have to grab it like a tiger and give until you have no strength left---referring to a campaign. Billie Babb was Greene County Chair for over 20 years and National Presidential Campaigns still call her for advice.

5. Neil Moore---Make sure that everyone comes to the opening and dedication of the Labor Archives at the new library on the SMSU CAMPUS---a whole floor---this coming sat. 1:00 to 3:00---Jan. 19, 2002. Neil has likely done more to promote the understanding of the Labor Movement that anyone in the State of Missouri and he is now working on the effort to team up the Religious Community with Members of Labor---in Southwest Missouri.

6. Retired Judge George Donegan has been very involved in the Community he was in WW 2 and then an engineer on the Frisco Railroad---he recently had a heart operation but he jumped in on this because he cares about the community.

7. DeForrest Cline---Everybody knows he works tirelessly on Senior Issues---he also was in WW 2 and then was a Railroad Executive.

8. Billy Scheets of Lebanon--- Was in WW 2 and then worked over 30 years for Union Pacific---he has got over 800 signatures of the 120,000 we need to put the issue on the ballot.

9. Dr. Thomas DeVol---Psychologist---Has been very active in Community and Candidate Campaigns over a number of years. He testifies in courtrooms across the nation.

10. Charles Bahn---Minister, active in community and a member of National Association of Rail Passengers.

11. Steven Reed---11 Years promoting Rail Passenger Service and Labor Issues as a service to the community. Gathered over 1,500 signatures in support of Teamsters Workers during Associated Grocers Lock out and turned them in to National Labor Relations Board---which ruled in favor of the Workers. References: Ronald Himstedt---Vietnam Veteran, Past President American Postal Workers Union Local Springfield MO, Secretary/Treasurer Springfield Labor Council Clarke Brown--- Local 50 Service Employee’s International Union Jim Kabel---Business Agent Teamster Local 235 Springfield MO, very involved in community issues and Democrat Chair of Lawrence County.

Our campaign has reached the life or death state---WE NEED HELP FROM THE UNIONS---IN RETURN WE HOPE TO PRODUCE MORE JOBS FOR THEIR MEMBERS!

FACT SHEET/Press Release
Who---Missourians for Rail Passenger Service
WHO WILL RIDE---Many of the 3,000 plus SMSU students who live in Saint Louis and go to college in Springfield, around 70% of the Seniors say they would ride, Commuters---employees with companies who have branches across the state, Tourist, etc.
What---Statewide November 2002 Election -Would be inserted into State Constitution under Transportation. Rail Passenger Service in Missouri including from St. Louis to Rolla, Lebanon, Springfield, Aurora, Marionville, Marshfield, Monett, Republic, Crane, Galena, Reeds Spring, Hollister, Branson and Joplin. (This will allow connection of the Chicago Rail Passenger Line to Tulsa and other cities in Texas).
When---Now---How---With Citizen Involvement we need to secure 120,000 signatures from 6 of the 9 U.S. Congressional Districts in Missouri. For more details on which ones please contact us.
Ballot Language---A one-tenth of one percent sales tax assessed on the sale of fuel used to propel motor vehicles (automobiles, trailers, motorcycles, mopeds) would generate tax revenues of approximately $3,510,000 to $4,875,000 annually---According to State Auditor Estimates. Jim Kreider agrees that it would cost about one dollar a year a citizen and we could get matching funds. Then we can go to the Federal Railroad Administration, The Federal Transit Administration, The Federal Highway Administration.
Subsidize---That nasty word---A few point out it would be subsidized and not make a profit. We ask that anyone who can find a County, State, or Federal Road that is not subsidized send us a picture so we can slap up on website. Roads are a service just as Rail Passenger Service is---it is even in the name.
Funding---We realize that the 3.5 to 4.8 million dollars will not fund the entire Rail Passenger Service and that is why we say we need to get more money for Transit in Missouri just as the east coast does. We are not talking about taking away funding from the roads---we are talking about adding to transportation funding in Missouri.
Fact we want it to BE VOTED ON BY THE PEOPLE---Some people say have you talked with the Governor---or U.S. Senator? Statewide coordinator Steven Reed says he has a stack of papers from Governors, U.S. Senators and others saying how it is needed---but nothing happened in 10 years and nothing will until the PEOPLE SPEAK.
Fact---The tracks are there and in good shape---some areas will need a little modification----only three or four trains a day travel on the line from St. Louis to Springfield.
Fact---People like the late M. Graham Clark and many seniors have wanted a Rail Service back for 10 to 30 years. Seniors strongly support the issue they are tired of driving I-44 and physical impaired people support the effort.
Positives---Would help take traffic off of I-44 and LIKELY HELP SAVE LIFES.
Positives---Would bring People---customers right to the doorstep of Merchants in the downtown areas of each City it stops at. Other wise many of the people in cars may not even stop in Missouri.
Survey---We have one member who said he served on the original Board of Directors of Metro-Link in St. Louis for over 25 years and he said that ounce the funding spigot was opened it never stopped. He said that some people speculated not many would ride. Over 50,000 rode the first day and as many or more have rode it daily since. We will pay to do a survey of readership if we get it on the ballot. Our survey at this time shows that 8 of 10 people sign the petition and say they want rail service.
Studies---2001 Urban Mobility Study---www.rigpa.org---Adding Capacity is probably the best known and probably the best option to congestion. Used to families had one car now they own 3or 4 and that means more congestion and air pollution.
Positive---If the Citizens of Missouri pass the issue on the ballot that the Governor, Both Railroad Presidents, every State Senator, State Representative will have a news conference on November 6, 2002 and say it is the best thing since apple pie came to Missouri and will work to find funding mechanisms.
Who will run it?---No we will not be starting a railroad. We are SAYING LET THE PEOPLE VOTE ON IT. If the Issue goes on the ballot there will be between August and November to DEBATE THE ISSUE---likely the most positive and debated issue in the history of Missouri. If it passes the State Legislature will take bids and implement. It may be public, private, or a public private combination.
Negatives---It could pass on the Ballot and the money between 3.5 and 4.8 million a year would keep going into a fund until enough money is put together to do it. At least we would be moving in that direction.
Positive---Comments from Speaker Kreider---Sunday January 6, 2002 News-Leader---But even as we deal with a tight budget we know there are other concerns that need to be addressed. Some of those include: "Urban Renewal (number 2 of 6). In an ongoing attempt to bolster the state economy, the General Assembly continues to look for ways to rejuvenate the downtowns of our state's metropolitan areas and regional commerce centers". Transportation---"The debate will continue on how best to address the issue of repairing our roads and how to relieve the pressure on our major arterial routes".
Campaign Committees---We need people in each city to join a Campaign Committee.
Money now for Petition Campaign and General Campaign if successful.
National Voter Outreach did Save Our Scenery Sign issue a few years ago and have did over 300 successful state petition drives all across the us. They want $2.00 a signature and need $50,000 to start. NVO will start with a down payment of $50,000. They say they must start by early February or it will be too late. For more info see www.directdemocracy.com
We think our Volunteers can get some signatures but as Save Our Scenery Karl Kruse of Columbia points out it is a full time job and very stressful to run a statewide campaign. He also says that volunteers usually run out of steam after getting 50 signatures or so. So the system is set up to where you must hire and pay people to help get the signatures. A special thanks to volunteer Billy Scheets who has already gathered over 800 signatures in Lebanon!
FOR THOSE WHO ARE HELPING WE NEED WEEKLY TOTALS---Please e-mail numbers to midwestrailusa@hotmail.com For GROUPS WANTING TO ENDORSE PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL.
For more information on Missourians for Rail Passenger Service go to www.mopassenegrrail.4t.com
TEAM CAPTAINS---To find out to contact a Team Captain in your town see our website or mail us. Contact us to become a Team Captain. Team Captains are local contacts of people who others can contact to get petitions or to help with the campaign on different levels.
Endorsements---Lebanon Chamber of Commerce---Aurora City and Chamber of Commerce---Rolla Chamber going to endorse at January 13, 2002 meeting. Several other Cites are looking at helping with the project.
We need you to help in this critical time---please A. Send us a Letter to the Editor of why you want Rail Service back. B. Join a Campaign Committee---A. Big Players---Chamber of Commerce---Business---Corporate, Civic Groups---Elks, Lions, Masons, Junior achievement, etc. B. Fund Raising C. Petition Distributing and Gathering D. Group Contacts and Endorsements E. Media F. Sell and Put up Yard Signs G. Fund Raising Events H. Put up and sell Yard Signs
Checks over $25.00 must include employers name to be turned into State Election Office. Not tax deductible. Mail to Missourians for Rail Passenger Service P.O. Box 581 Springfield, MO 65801.

We need a Stimulus Package Now---Letter to the Editor---and or Press
Release

State budgets getting cut, job lay offs abound. I was a personal friend
with a young man who perished in the trade center bombing. I think he and
the others would say we have mourned and now we must move forward or Bin Laden and his terror cronies will be able to claim they won.

For decades Governors and Legislatures have said, "spend more o
infrastructure." A grass roots group Missourians for Rail Passenger
Service is working to put on the Nov. 2002 ballot an initiative to have
Rail service from St. Louis to Dallas Texas. Cities like Lebanon, Aurora,
Rolla, Hollister and others support it. For more go to www.mopassengerrail.4t.comor e-mail midwestrailusa@hotmail.com or write P.O. Box 581 Springfield, MO 65801.

DeForrest Cline, a Springfield WW2 Veteran, is a retired railroad
executive says we need extended rail service in case of a national
emergency to move troops. Many of the cities merchants in downtown areas
support the effort. Diversity is the spice of life, it's good for the
economy and it would make it harder for terrorist to attack us.

A mini WPA would put people to work on rebuilding our rail systems, roads, airports, and bus service across the nation. Recent studies show traffic
congestion will continue to get worse as our population grows and that
adding capacity and diversifying our transportation options should be
considered. In Missouri, I-44 is getting more clogged.

With unemployment at 8.3 million, we need more jobs now. The WPA put over 2,000,000 people to work on school, bridge, and hospital projects. Let's
get this nation back on track and make it stronger than before the war
just as happened in WW2. Making our nation stronger is the tribute and
what those who we lost would want.

Sincerely, Steven L. Reed