Volume II Number 28 - This Was The Week That Was - An Amtrak Saga

May 03, 2002

Many thanks to those who inquired about me during my illness in April. The doctor informs me that I will be on a very reduced schedule for the next period of time, but he’s now smiling at me instead of frowning. Tests that have been completed have shown no complications.

Two truths quickly became apparent these past weeks: No one is indispensable. The world continues on with or without you, and, things get done. The second truth is that very often, far more people than you know are concerned about you and care about you and ask where and how you are. Both truths are very gratifying.

Now, to the important things:

1. Congratulations to David Gunn on his appointment as President and CEO of Amtrak. Mr. Gunn has long sought this position, and this veteran executive will bring a sense of order and purpose to Amtrak. The regrettable part is that the gentleman is joining the current Amtrak, and not the New Amtrak. Mr. Gunn will still have to struggle with the current board of directors (see below) and digging his way out of the old, failed business plan.

   Hopes are that Mr. Gunn will surround himself with a new cadre of top executives at Amtrak that don’t come with the baggage associated with the remnants of the immediate past administration.

2. Congratulations, too, to David Laney of Dallas, Texas, the new and seventh member of the Amtrak Board of Directors.

   Mr. Laney, a corporate attorney, is well versed in the world of big business. He will be the first member of the current board of directors that has been intimately familiar with the world of large corporate business, the reading of financial reports, and the meaning of consequences beyond the perpetual request for free federal money.

   Hopefully, Mr. Laney will help guide the board in a positive direction of proper financial reporting, responsible business plans, and sound decision making that has a national, rather than regional, perspective.

That’s it for now. We’re all watching to see signs of improvement and vitality at Amtrak.

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