Why is the current train operator leaving? Last March, the CHS presented them with a non-negotiable "take it or leave it" ultimatum that would have made operating the Georgetown Loop no longer viable. The current operator's goal during the entire negotiating process was to continue operating the Loop into the future and continue the success of this famed railroad which they have built over 30-years. The Georgetown Loop Railroad, Inc., a family business, along with their excellent staff, has been responsible for bringing the equipment, expertise, safety and growth the Loop now enjoys. The railroad is looked upon as one of the premier tourist railroads in the nation and the Loop's experienced employees are considered among the best. Unfortunately, the CHS did not wish to continue negotiations with the current operator.
As reported by the Clear Creek Courant, dated March 17, 2004, the Colorado Historical Society is asking for five times the current liability insurance according to current operator partner, Mark Greksa. This along with "increased maintenance costs for the aging operation and the terms of the contract also were factors". According to Greksa, the Loop contributes approximately $2 million to Clear Creek County economy and employs approximately 60 people. We know that Mark and Leah and the Ashbys will go and continue to do wonderful things at their Royal Gorge operation, but we believe that the historical society could do more to make this contract work for the family that has dedicated itself to the Loop for the past 30 years. There is unverified speculation around town that the local historical society has had its eye on the operation for some time.
"Ode to the Loop"
melody and refrain by Bruce (U. Utah) Phillips
FYI: Lee Behrens is: Colorado Historical Society Director of the Loop, the Secretary of Historic Georgetown, Inc. , a Georgetown Selectman, and serves on the boards of the Silver Heritage Area and the Historic District Public Lands Commission
(June 30, 2004)
Quoted from the Denver Post, July 5, 2004 Money End of Line for Train
"As a result of their differing views, Greska said, Behrens portrayed him as "anti-preservation" to the Historical Society.
"Anybody whose views differ from his is tagged that way," Greska said, citing a 2003 annual report Behrens submitted to the society.
In it, Behrens states, "The railroad was VERY active and vocal in the anti-preservation camp. I feel this should be an important factor when deciding the future of our relationship with the concessionaire in the upcoming contract negotiations."
Behrens declined to comment, referring questions to the Historical Society. Contiguglia denied Behrens had been bad-mouthing Greska, adding that she hadn't seen the report."
When asked: "What are your hopes and vision for your facility over the next five years? Ten years?" Lee Behrens replied, "Within five years we have acquired locomotives and rolling stock and in ten years or less the CHS will not need a concessionaire at all."
Lee Behrens is: Colorado Historical Society Director of the Loop, the Secretary of Historic Georgetown, Inc. , a Georgetown Selectman, and serves on the boards of the Silver Heritage Area and the Historic District Public Lands Commission (all entities are stakeholders in the areas between Georgetown and Silver Plume)
Other quotes from this single CHS questionnaire dated Dec. 9, 2003
 "Working with RR is major headache and problem along with them being our representative."
"Get RR to cooperate more fully rather than being a negative force in community."
When asked "Are there partnership opportunities not presently explored that can help provide operational and stewardship support?" he replies, "No, one with the RR is one too many."
|
Can there now be any doubt that Lee Behrens has actively worked against the current Loop operators?
And if he has, now what?
|
This group is now on hiatus, as the intent was to form an LLC, which was unconstitutional (according to the town attorney), and based upon the proclamation of
CHS employees/directors at the May 18th meeting assuring them that there would be a train running in 2005. There are going to be continued discussions (at Loop committee meeting and then, with direction of what to do, at the town meetings) of an intergovernmental agreement between the two towns which, the hope is, could financially benefit all entities and thus encourage a more collaborative relationship between the Loop and the towns' businesses and residents.
|
