Re: Note to FOCT members

This is an interesting situation, but I suspect that there is a lot more to this than we see on the list. Or perhaps need to see on the list.
However, it seems to me that the Friends group has had some kind of recognition from different managers for a number of years, and that the Friends are supposed to be working on projects approved by the railroad's management and the commission. If that is the case, then their presence on the property is like a contractor performing work for the railroad, is it not? That does not make them the management, but it does give them some authority to be where they are, and performing work which has been approved of by the railroad.
I suppose it is possible that members of the Friends, like members of the public, can presume that their membership in the Friends, or their voting status (i.e. citizen of NM etc) gives them a right to unlimited free access to the entire property. As I've argued elsewhere, I don't think that anyone has a right to unlimited free access.
The management should be able to make decisions with the interest of safety for employes, contractors, and the public in mind, and enforce those decisions. Those of us who don't actually have work to do on the property can be more understanding of the needs fo the men doing the work, and not make a nuisance of ourselves.
Again, I'm not trying to be argumentative, but it seems to me that the C&TS management has tried very hard to offer the public (including us enthusiasts) more acces than most railroads. I think the terms of access are much more restrictive at other railroads running steam. Let us be thankful for what whe have, and not make things more difficult for the C&TS staff, which has plenty on their plates right now.
Thanks for reading.
Charlie Mutschler
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