McIlheran's Train Has Been Derailed

Congresswoman Gwen Moore came out in support of the Milwaukee County Transit System, saying that it should be first priority over the KRM rail line.

P-Mac jumps on the story with a very distorted view of what actually was said:

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore raises at least the right kind of question about plans for commuter trains from Kenosha to Milwaukee:

“Moore says she's not opposed to commuter rail but believes funding for Milwaukee County's embattled bus system must come first,” the Journal Sentinel reports.

Which is the right thing to ask: Are the train's benefits, such as they are, worth the cost?

Except that is not what she said. What she really said was:

Like Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway, Moore says she's not opposed to commuter rail but believes funding for Milwaukee County's embattled bus system must come first.

"A new commuter line between Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee will undoubtedly offer new benefits to our communities," Moore said in a written statement. "But I think it's important for (the Milwaukee County Transit System) to have a dedicated source of a funding because any new expenditures could come at the cost of current bus service. That's unacceptable."

She is not opposed to the KRM and points out that it would be wonderful asset. She just pointed out that the first priority would be to stabilize and enhance the current system, otherwise the KRM wouldn't have an anchor for one of its ends. Furthermore, she recognizes the fact that if something isn't done to shore up the transit system, it will only continue Scott Walker's agenda of ruining our economy and driving up unemployment.

All she is doing is following the recommendations made by Milwaukee County First.

Paddy later complains about taxes and how most people wanted a dedicated fund, as was passed in a referendum two years ago. But for my money, I'll follow the findings of the Public Policy Forum before I pay attention to a Republican opposition researcher.