Re: “Sell the railroad, Tacoma” (Dan Voelpel column, 6-22).
Voelpel claims the only argument for keeping the railroad is that it doesn’t have to make a profit. I believe there are plenty of reasons not to sell Tacoma Rail.
What Voelpel doesn’t mention is that Tacoma Rail is a self-supporting part of the Tacoma Public Utility. The railroad is not subsidized by taxpayers. Whatever service Tacoma Rail provides, it must pay for itself. The railroad not only pays taxes to the city but also pays into Tacoma’s general fund, something a private company would not do, “nimble” or not.
Tacoma Rail grew under former superintendent Paula Henry anticipating growth of the port and expanding service opportunities with Union Pacific and BNSF railroads. Service to Eatonville and Morton and a contract with the Washington Dinner Train ended due to the economic downturn, and the new port terminal was downsized.
An expanded role for Tacoma Rail and BNSF Railway is again being discussed. Perhaps utility director Bill Gaines and Tacoma Rail superintendent Dale King should be trusted to do the right thing when it comes to staffing levels.
Tacoma Rail is a large and developing asset for Tacoma and its citizens. It provides good-paying union-scale jobs. To sell off this great asset for some quick cash is shortsighted and silly. (Robertson is a Tacoma Rail locomotive engineer.)
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