2009-2010 Annual Report - Great Lakes Leadership Academy ...

Rail Issues Team
An Experience in Michigan
Rail Transportation
The rail issues team considered the general
issue of transportation in Michigan. After
considerable study the team came to the
conclusion that Michigan would benefit
from a more extensive and modern (high
speed, where possible) rail system, especially
one with more passenger train routes.
The team developed a plan to deepen the
understanding of the cohort on this issue
and create a sense of excitement about rail
transportation in Michigan. They provided
cohort members with the opportunity to
experience and reflect upon the positive
and negative aspects of rail transportation
in Michigan and to understand the various
aspects of rail transportation from historical,
current and future perspectives. The team
developed an appreciation of policy and
related political issues that undergird rail use
in Michigan and the impacts of Michigan rail
systems on economic development, land use
and alternative energy, as well as social and
cultural benefits.
The rail team session began at the Jackson
Amtrak station where the cohort boarded the
train for a ride to the session in downtown
Kalamazoo.
A very interactive session was developed
allowing GLLA participants to draw potential
“desired” train routes on Michigan maps
considering the best interest of the state and
encouraging dialogue, listening and exchange
with each other. As a result of the GLLA
issues team session, one of the team members
is leading similar sessions around the state.
See http://michiganbyrail.org/
to learn how the impact of the rail issues
team continues.
4
Rail Issues Team: (L to R) Tamra Fountaine, Mike Everett,
Tim Fischer, Roger Victory, Angela Riess, Sue Esser.
Not pictured — Eric Hufnagel and Lee Gaddies, Coach Jerry Jennings.