Costa calls Gunn Firing: “A Sad Day for Amtrak”
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) today (Wednesday, Nov. 9)denounced the Amtrak Board firing of David Gunn, the train systems highlysuccessful president as "outrageous." Costa described Gunn's dismissalas, "a sad day for Amtrak."
The Fresno lawmaker went on to say, "Firing DavidGunn is outrageous; I simply don't understand the Amtrak Board's values. Members of this Administration that are under investigation or provenincompetent, such as our recent FEMA Director, are kept on the payroll, whilequality administrators are fired for doing a good job. This is adistressing day for the future of our nation's intercity rail program, whichhas experienced real reform under Mr. Gunn's leadership."
Costa pointed out that California benefitshighly from Amtrak. He said Gunn has been very helpful to Fresno and other Valleycommunities served by Amtrak. "Just recently, he worked closely with my officeand Mayor Autry to help re-open the historic Santa Fe Depot," Costanoted. He added that 9.3 million passengers ride on Amtrak lines in California alone; and three of Amtrak's top nationalcorridors are located in California: thePacific Surfliner, the Capitol Corridor, and the San Joaquins, which services Fresno.
"Mr. Gunn leaves Amtrak afterthree years with a string of accomplishments and a highly successful trackrecord. Amtrak ridership rose during his tenure. Last year, 25million passengers rode Amtrak trains, a 4.3% increase over the prioryear-which was the previous passenger record for Amtrak service. Mr. Gunnstreamlined the employee payroll while increasing revenues and decreasingexpenses. He also led a highly successful capital investment campaignthat strengthened and improved Amtrak's ability to provide a high level ofservice. Finally, he streamlined Amtrak's financial accountabilitysystem," Costa declared.
The Board's decision to fire Mr.Gunn is the Bush Administration's first step to dismantle Amtrak service andforce states to fend for themselves. "After 9-11, when this nation witnessed firsthand the results of a grounded airfleet, we relied on rail service more than ever," Costa said. "A 21stCentury Transportation system needs rail service to be effective, but this Administrationhas a vision of transportation that is locked in the 19thCentury. Finally, I am concerned that the actions of the Board may beillegal, as they were conducted without a quorum present and minutes of thismeeting have not been made available to the public. They must be heldaccountable to the Congress and to the American people."
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