Dear Illinoisan:
For over thirty years I have been working to build
the economic future of our state. I have a proven
record of successful performance.
In the mid-1970’s I initiated efforts to upgrade
Illinois Highway 51 into an Interstate highway. As a
result of my lobbying and pressuring, we succeeded
in obtaining a new Interstate Highway for the
central part of our state, Interstate 39. I am very
proud of my role in energizing that effort. The
Chicago Tribune recognized my activity in an
editorial dated February 25, 1978.
IllinoisHighSpeedTrains.com is my new effort to tie
our state together, and to connect the entire
Midwest region, with high-speed passenger rail
service. Many officials have talked of “upgrading”
our existing passenger rail system. They want us to
“upgrade” to what would still be a Third World
system. Spending years and spending limited funds on
“improving” an outdated system is a waste of money.
Some members of my own party are skeptical of
investing in modern rail systems. I believe they are
mistaken.
I stand before you as a progressive Midwestern
Republican who recognizes that public investment is
entirely appropriate if it stimulates long-term
economic activity and creates high-quality jobs. It
is wasteful spending that I oppose, not sound
investments in a transportation infrastructure that
will add new value to our economy.
All of our economic competitors, from China, India
and Japan to our European friends, are investing in
modernized rail systems. Because of the Midwest’s
generally flat terrain, we are an ideal area in
which to build a high-speed train network.
High-speed rail service is an investment that yields
dividends through improved connectivity as well as
expanded economic activity.
My U. S. Senate campaign is spearheading the effort
to place the need for modern rail service on the
political agenda. There has been a lot of “talk” in
the past by a lot of public officials, but very
little action. We need action.
From Carbondale to Rockford, the Quad Cities to
Chicago, Peoria, Quincy and St. Louis and all points
in between, we need a 21st century passenger rail
network.
As
my successful effort to build Interstate 39
confirms, I produce results that benefit every
Illinoisan. I hope to continue working on your
behalf as your U. S. Senator.
This website is also your website. Please feel free
to send us suggestions, photographs and other
materials you think we can use.
The future of our state’s economy, and therefore our
own economic futures and our families’ futures,
depends on keeping Illinois at the cutting edge of
modern technology. Please join me in this effort.
Please join all of us in my campaign, and feel free
to assist our efforts in any way you can. We are all
on the same team.
All board for the future! High-speed rail service
for Illinois.
Andy Martin
