Re: Why 40% to Georgetown??!!

Steve,
Without pointing to many fingers, may I refer you to the acuisations made by former mayor Koleen Brooks toward Historic Georgetown, Inc. May I also point out the fact that the Ashby's supported Ms. Brooks's position over that of HGI. This was the excuse that Lee Beherens used to label them "Anti-preservationists".
I'm afraid that HGI is more of a local political power base than a truly preservation oriented group.
Couple that with the fact that HGI "Inferred" to the present operators of the Loop that these same operators should "donate" tens of thousands to HGI each year by mere fact that HGI exists. This "tribute" was refused by GTL.
This was HGI's demand of a family owned organization that through the Ashby's love of the tourist RR business has privately preserved countless Railroad artifact that would have otherwise been lost to the scrapper. The Georgetown Loop Railroad in itself qualifies as a privately owned museum. Yes, there are more private museums than Public ones.
If it were any place else but Georgetown, HGI's actions would constitute being very close to racketeering and come under FBI investigation under the RICO Act. But this is Georgetown and HGI is always in the background as the "savior" of the Silver Queen.
Also remember that the 40% is supposed to be split between the communities. I'll believe that when I see it...
Rick