First of all you never go into a business around a community and crack a snide remark about the people that are the majority, unless you are wanting to start a fight.
You said “Oh great, so the Ashby’s will essentially be puppet masters.”
That remark is out of line. And when they manage a railroad it is well run and profitable. I have not worked for the Ashbys, but have experience working with them in my prior career. I found them to be very considerate and kind in a situation most people are very unprofessional. I think you can see past employees have never said anything bad about them.
You also said “They had too much control over the place, acting like they owned it. Pure and simple.”
From what valid information or point do you have here? As stated in the other posts, they basically did own it. Their contract allowed them to run the operation. But I never got the impression by their stance in the community that they did anything other than run a great community draw (a business for profit) for tourists. You might ask how can I say that? Well I lived in the county for most of my life. Watching the railroad grow from nothing, to what it is today. I met a friend of my dads (a Seabee) that rebuilt a lot of the line and bridges. I remember when the opening took place with the Governor riding etc. I remember the burning of the pavilion in Silver Plume when it was a restaurant/bar. My family drove by every weekend as we worked at the ski area. And I have no clue how many times I rode the train. I read many Current news articles about trips the Ashbys took to other countries trying to find or recover lokies and rolling stock. The Loop Edition of the paper was always a treat. I will also add I either lived (from birth) or worked in that area for 40 years. And still have family there.
This board is becoming more of a blog than a discussion group. You have almost no tolerance for outside viewpoints, espcially if you disagree with them.
I would say that opinions are fine, but making comments without basis or backing seems like pot shots.
John Kyler