Re: Visitors to save C&TS

"I don't think people want to be shown as much," Sheppard, of Old Sturbridge, said. "They want to do more."
Chris you may have hit upon an idea that will save the C&TS!
So each visitor to the C&TS next year will be required as part of their visit to maintain their fair share of the ROW upon which they ride. Now if we assume 50,000 volunteers (a.k.a. touristas) next season we find that each person will be responsible for 6.75 linear feet of track. Assuming 4 ties and 16 spikes per person (rounded up for the younguns and ladies in heels)to be replaced we can almost hear the cash registers rinking in Chama and Antonito racking up sales in BenGay, blister ointments and various sundry medicinal products related to actually doing work.
This work ethic training alone will do wonders for the visitors sense of self esteem and more importantly giving them a first hand understanding of what this great country was built upon... i.e. hard work.
Now this all presumes that the Columbine state will provide all neccessary materials and equipment in lieu of their legal share contribution to the C&TS commission. Speaking of which, each commisioner will be in charge of a 1/4 section of the RR subdivided as closely as possible to their own state boundaries (Rey Medina will be given a special motor for cross border supervision). This will give them "hands on" RR experience (a.k.a. getting your hands dirty) thereby allowing the Ex. director and his management/ operations team then to focus on running the RR. Now if the commission objects to this plan then they can choose the alternative which is to individually lobby for required funds for capital improvements in their respective state capitals.
Now that is what I call a win-win situation.
Rod Jensen