I'm not 'in' on the situation by any means; I don't work for the GLR Inc. nor do I even live in Colorado...however, I'd have to say that from what I've seen...
I think it's even MORE unprofessional that Lee Behrens or whoever else at CHS that they would bring personal issues and feelings into the business world. The tombstone image is there and rightfully so...then again, I'm a vengeful person.
Everybody makes mistakes. The GLR Inc. didn't bid, as said before, because their corporate relationship with the Colorado Historical Society based on trust, was breached. The GLR Inc. and its employees could not risk sailing a ship on somebody elses' ocean on rough seas; nobody likes that feeling, and I'm sure we've all experienced it to some extent. The whole thing in search of a new operator was in fact, started by the CHS and is NOT the GLR's fault by any means. I don't know, but I had thought the situation was pretty calm for most of those 30 years...
The GLR Inc. was given unfair terms by the RFP and did not accept it. The crews there are professionals; steam operation/maintenance is as much their profession as is the lawyers or whatever else is invovled in this whole vendetta. They are some of the best in the business and they must be able to be paid well and support their industry. From what I understand, GLR Inc. treats their employees very well, unlike other certain organizations which we know of.
It is apparent that the CHS doesn't give a darn about a major source of tourists and income to the area by having a first-class steam railroad with three operational steam locomotives, plus diesels, rolling stock, friendly crews, etc. We don't know if Railstar can do this yet; we're assuming not because they haven't been going at it for 30 years. There has been negative 'stuff' on Railstar Corp; yes they are not native Coloradans which is a downside. I've never been to any of their operations so I can't say they are below average, average, or amazing. Time will tell that. However, Railstar is not a guarantee from the CHS, so they are gambling at the expense of the people of the Georgetown/Silver Plume area, etc. Then of course there's the whole I-70 development conspiracy...but that brings up yet another can of worms.
Just my 'two cents' worth from what I've seen...I don't know how right it is...but just observations and opinion.
-Ed Kelley