This Just In ...

Still in denial, train lovers use real fuzzy math

Posted by Kevin Fischer on Jan. 4, 2011

The constant whining over the death of the half fast train between Milwaukee and Madison continues. Supporters of the flawed and failed project must have flunked basic math for they just can’t seem to get their figures straight. Follow the bouncing ball and numbers:

February 6, 2010, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Only 55 permanent jobs would be created to operate and maintain the trains, tracks and stations, starting in 2013, the application says.”

November 4, 2010, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Construction employment on the line was projected to peak at 4,732 jobs in 2012.”

November 8, 2010, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Canceling a planned high-speed rail line will cost Wisconsin taxpayers nearly $100 million and more than 400 jobs in the near future, Gov. Jim Doyle said Monday……Of the 412 jobs that Doyle said were at risk, at least 80 are held by state employees and contractors who could be laid off.”

December 31, 2010, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Only 12 workers are losing their jobs because a high-speed rail project was canceled, far less than the 80 layoffs predicted by outgoing Gov. Jim Doyle's administration, state and corporate representatives say.”

January 3, 2011, the MacIver Institute: “So much for the concept of a political honeymoon. A consortium of liberal activist groups held a protest outside the State Capitol this morning where speakers threatened to recall newly-elected Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. The protesters included representatives of MICHA, Voces de la Frontera and the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO. Chief among their concerns were Walker’s successful derailment of the proposed Madison-Milwaukee train line, which they contend cost 13,000 jobs.”