Tell It Like It Is!

This article was taken from today's Ledger editorials and should reflect everyone's sentiments! Thank you for speaking your mind! What's Good for the State Isn't Necessarily Good for Polk According to the Oct. 22 op-ed column "State Acts for Own Good in CSX Deal," by Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and CEO of CSX Corp., he seems to think he knows what's best for the state of Florida, which includes the city of Lakeland, which he does not mention. I think Mr. Ward is paid millions for knowing what's best for the CSX railroad and not for a biased view in playing salesman for "railroading" this deal through. If the state agrees, it will pay CSX nearly one-half billion dollars for 61 miles of railroad right-of-way that CSX would no longer need or want to maintain. This would pay for the new automated switching yard near Winter Haven. So far I only see a good deal for CSX.Mr. Ward says the deal allows the state to create a passenger-rail system [a commuter system around Orlando]. Does the state want to get into the passenger business? How much would it cost (besides the nearly $500 million) to put the track and public crossings in a safe condition? This must be completely investigated. Does the public want it?Our city fathers, donators and taxpayers have worked hard to make our downtown one of the most beautiful in Florida. This deal would turn it into a thundering, endless stream of freight trains 24 hours a day. Nobody, not even Mr. Ward, knows how many freight trains will thunder through downtown Lakeland in the near future. Remember, this "deal" will make it forever.Florida, and Lakeland, don't let them "railroad" this good deal for CSX. JAMES E. SOGARD Lakeland