19 thoughts on “O’Brien, Neumiller to be on Kellar committee”

1. There now are two people, O’Brien and Kazzam, who have a vested interest in any discussions or decisions or recommendations this committee may make!

2. THIS is not what I would call an unbiased committee.I would like this committee to know that people homes where they have spent their lifes at are mixed up with this mess.There has to be something more at stake than a bike path here.Because no-one would even consider spending this kind of money on a trail project.NO-ONE uses the trail that starts just before the RR bridge now. they probably don’t know it is there.People bring trash, noise,bicycles,conflict,crime etc.Railroads bring stuff cheaply and jobs.How can you say a person using the trail can legally use a RR easment and a homeonwer whose property adjoins it cannot.The easement, was it a fee simple or a lease til abandonment?

3. Richard Neumiller and Steve Jaeger at least know soemthing about railroads (knowledge sorely lacking in Mayor Allen’s appointments). And Mr. O’Brien, while a vocal trail supporter, is at least a rail customer. I hold out little hope for this committee, as the uncompromising trail nuts have already declared it a “stall tactic”, but we shall see (It’s hard to see how this is a stall tactic since the railroad won the battle, but it shows how out of touch with reality the trail nuts are).

4. Today’s news conference at Vonachen’s. There were many people of note there but the most outstanding was the ones that were not. John Morris, Jim McConoughey, Aaron Shock were not present. They sent representatives or sent a printed sheet for someone to read their support for the trail. I find it interesting that with all the support that these three candidates profess to have for the trail that not one of them showed up in person to back up their interest in this item.If this is the kind of support that they show for the local things that they claim are a “quality of life” issue,what kind of support can we expect locally for other issues? Also they have not got it through their heads that the decision to make the rail permanent has been made by STB and there is no rail or trail issue left. All the noise in the world isn’t going to change that. What needs to be done now is let the committee do its job and find a way for both groups to work together. It can be done if they try hard enough. Stop spending money and efforts to close the rail and start using that to make it a co-use effort for everyone.

5. SD,

   Were there very many people at the news conference? The Cities formation of a committee to study joint-use contradicts the trail group’s continuing stubborn effort to get the track torn out. That the three hopefuls didn’t show may indicate the wind has shifted direction.

6. The room was full and overflowing. Quite a few had to stand in the adjoining room. Probably better than 60 in the main room with us and 20 or more in the adjoining room.

7. This is just more crap and lies being spouted by the folks that don’t know the rules of the game and can’t see the big picture. Much applause, back slapping, glad handing, and hatred being vented towards the “evil villain” railroads, mainly Pioneer. I vow to never attend one of these trail nuts meetings again. The rancor and division and winner take all mentality will continue on forever. The group was reminded that this is a marathon and everyone must work together as one to achieve victory.

8. Was there any news media present?I would like to hear what nonsense they had to add.Maybe we will hear who is the acting CM and how much his financial package is worth.

9. Here’s what 1470 had to say (get ready, it’s gonna burn your butts!)

   Shaun Newell Reporting
   A large group gathered at Vonachen’s Old Place on North Knoxville Wednesday morning to voice support for turning the Kellar Branch rial line into a trail for recreational use. Supporters say it will help make the Rock Island Trail run 27 miles by adding the eight mile stretch of land that runs through Peoria and Peoria Heights.

   David Pittman, the Vice President of Recreation Trail Advocates, says the recent use of the rail line should not sway people against the trail. he said the railroad engine was ran due to a clause that said if nothing is run on the line the railroad operators lose some of their rights. He said no freight was ran on the line.

   Statements of support of the trail were made by the mayors of Peoria, Peoria Heights and East Peoria as well as former Peoria Mayor Jim Maloof, State Senator Dave Koehler and representatives of all three 18th District Congressional candidates.

   The Surface Transportation Board ruled last year the rail should remain open for use by Pioneer Rail and Central Illinois Railroad. The City of Peoria and Peoria Heights own the eight miles of rail in question. The City Council has asked for a study to see if the rail and trail can co-exist.

10. “He said the railroad engine was ran due to a clause that said if nothing is run on the line the railroad operators lose some of their rights.”

    There is no such clause. The STB restored Pioneer Industrial Railway’s operating rights with no conditions.

11. The trail nuts make it up as the go along. No limits. Lie, cheat, etc., etc., whatever it takes. I think the statements by the Congressional candidtates were despicable. Schock, in particular, made it clear that “a couple little businesses” presumably Carver Lumber and Globe Energy, should not stand in the way of this trail for “thousands”. Well, I’m sorry, Mr. Ed’s description of this as “crap” was mild. I’ll vote for Daffy Duck for Congress before any of these three. I urge everyone to let these people know how you feel. They’re about as “conservative” as Joseph Stalin.

12. Stupid/ignorant Elaine Hopkins on her so-called blog site is saying:
    “One of the railroads fighting for use of the line recently ran an
    engine over the tracks, reportedly waiting until the ground was frozen
    solid so the rails would stand up to the use.” What nonsense,they just keep
    shoveling the bullcrap.

13. Ed, why do pollute your mind (and upset your stomach) by reading that toxic waste? You are what you hear and see and read. It stays with you longer than what you eat. Elaine graduated (with honors) from the Kim Jong Il school of journalism. Nobody takes her seriously.

14. Mouse, Of course you are correct for my own well being I should stay away from their anti-rail crap. However, I do consider myself to be a well-informed citizen on local, state, national and international affairs; and as such I feel compelled to point out poisonous garbage where I find it. These anti-rail freaks are in the business of telling constant and repetitive lies as they attempt to ruin a good business (Carver) and hamper others. The anti-rail nuts need to be exposed with every lie and half-truth they tell. Politicians that hitch themselves to anti-rail no-goods deserve to be defeated at the polls each and every time. Unfortunately, all three so-called (business friendly conservative???) Republicans have sided with these Green Party nuts.

15. I read her “blog” too; I don’t know what to say about it. It is really bad and misguided. But did any of you see that comments on all of her Kellar Branch “news” were turned off? Is she afraid of the truth coming out through her lies?
    Just food for thought.

16. Bill,

    Elaine Hopkins has never allowed comments on any of her postings. She’s afraid of criticism and the facts, plain and simple.

17. I agree Ed, I’m not voting for any of the three RINO’s. What’s ironic is that all 15 of the rabid trail advocates will vote for someone else in the general election, unless, of course, the Democratic candidate has sense enough not to take an anti-rail position.

18. Thanks David,
    I didn’t look to hard at the site. I dont want to destroy my brain to much.

19. Pingback: The Peoria Chronicle » Blog Archive » “April 1, 2008, is the target date for the committee’s findings.”

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