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Sample Letter
I've attached a copy of the letter I
sent to our Alabama reps, Cramer and
Aderholt. If these guys get 20 or 30 messages on a subject, it grabs their
attention. Maybe this will give you some ideas.
Morgan Andriulli
Solid Edge Planning
(256) 705-2541
morgan.andriulli@eds.com
It has come to my attention that bike
facility funding has been cut from the proposed 2004 Transportation Enhancements
budget. Combined with severe reductions to overall enhancements and Amtrak
funding, I find this an unacceptable and neglectful use of our transportation
funding. Many Alabama communities take advantage of TEA-21 funding to build
greenways, linear parks and bike lanes. They are looked upon as clear
enhancements to the quality of life in these communities, are popular with the
local citizenry and improve property values. It is an efficient use of a
relatively small portion of federal revenue to produce visible results in the
communities that receive these grants. As a cyclist and a quality of life
advocate, it is important to me that we maintain funding for these grass-roots,
community enhancement efforts. If anything, these projects re-enforce the
voter's faith that their tax dollars are being put to use within their own
towns.
As for Amtrak funding, all I can say is that industrialized, modern countries
spend the money to support efficient, regional train networks. As an
alternative to driving or flying, taking trains to destinations within a
400-mile radius is often more convenient because it places the traveler
directly into the middle of the destination city. Most countries do not expect
their state-supported train systems to be profitable and it is unreasonable to
expect Amtrak to do the same. However, as a portion of U.S. Federal highway and
airport spending, passenger rail funding is embarrassingly small when compared
to other countries. For decades the rest of the world has realized that
offering efficient regional rail service between major cities is an effective
use of transportation money because it greatly reduces load on highways and
airports. On a local level, the Birmingham Amtrak station desperately needs
renovation. It is a depressing feeling to leave on trips from such a sad,
run-down facility. Our passenger train system needs to be shown more respect
and support from our government. We need to look at it as not a business, but as
a service to our medium and large cities.
We must continue to make room in our federal budget for these transportation
alternatives. It is an expense that your constituents will support because, if
not for any other reason, it gives them the freedom of choice over how they get
to their destination. Freedom of choice and freedom of movement are among the
ideals on which this country was founded. These are ideals that you too can
support, even in the face of today's budget realities, because your constituents
do as well.
Morgan Andriulli
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