Rick -- You ask "who are these people?" May I try to answer as one of 2,400 members of the Friends who is interested in interpretation of the railroad and its preservation, but as one who is not a board member or on the RVC working group?
Perhaps some basics will help:
(1) Under the Triad Agreement the Commission has designated the Friends as the official museum arm of the C&TS, and under that agreement all projects of the Friends have to be approved in advance by the Commission.
(2) Back in 2005 I recall when the Friends started bringing the concept of an interpretive center before the Commission for consideration, including public meetings at the Chama Depot in order to solicit opinions and ideas.
(3) This Spring a C&TS Commissioner and members of the Friends working on the CVC concept had an opportunity to present it to the NM Dept. of Transportation RPO (which covers Northern NM) as a candidate for federal grant funding.
(4) Following the correct procedure the Friends working group brought the RVC before the Commission last week in Chama, at which time the Commission expressed full support for the project and decided to move ahead. The Commission, as always, makes the decisions on these matters.
Now, my question to you. I understand you live in Abiqiui about an hour south of Chama. Did you attend the Commission meeting or did you attend any of the past meetings in Chama to express your opinions? I don't recall you being there; perhaps I'm misinformed. I can understand folks on this discussion board who live some distance away feeling somewhat in the dark. But, you have the advantage of being close by and have the opportuniy to express yourself directly to the Commissioners in public meeting. Hope to see you there next time.
