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TRAINS Newswire reports that Stephen Gardner has been named Amtrak President.
Fair Use:
Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn has named Stephen Gardner as president, effective Dec. 1.
An Amtrak press release describes the move as “part of a broader set of actions taken under Flynn’s leadership, working with the board of directors, to ensure that Amtrak is well positioned for success in fiscal year 2021 and beyond.” It says as president, Gardner will lead day-to-day operations and advance long-term goals by overseeing marketing, operations, planning, government affairs, and corporate communication.
The move splits the positions which currently are both held by Flynn. The title of president was Amtrak’s highest-ranking position when the company was created; it became combined with the title of CEO during the 2008-2016 tenure of Joseph Boardman.
First, let us note that the title of President no longer means "Big Kahuna". Mr. Gardner still reports to Mr. Flynn.
Now with that being said it is safe to say that the advocacy community, dreaming of restored LD amenities and frequencies, and even new routes, after Joe is inaugurated, will be feeling "shocked and betrayed". But this move of installing an "anti-LD" as President clearly signals that the Board considers the LD's "a lost cause", and would like to "be rid of 'em". Never mind that the Incorporators envisioned the LD's as a transitional five or so year "ease the pain" continuation of what had seriously jeopardized the financial condition of the industry now some fifty years ago.
George Harris Member # 2077
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Given the results of the election, the Democrat party owes the middle of the country nothing, and we had better expect to be treated accordingly. Look for it to be Northeast Corridor and little else, with the "else" being that needed to get enough votes for funding of some of the NEC projects.
For those not aware, the biggest cuts to long distance services came under Carter, a Democrat.
Jerome Nicholson Member # 3116
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And the second biggest cuts came under Clinton, another Democrat.
George Harris Member # 2077
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When it comes to politicians (and a lot of other things as well), turn off the sound and watch the action.
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