To answer Legio X's political question, yes the LIRR has seen competent management at times at high levels. As the Railroad is owned by the State, the president's job was, for a good time, quite political.
It's often the positions under the president that fail to carry the ball.
To be technically competent, politically competent and competent in managing a union workforce is quite a large bill. Then throw in the lousy pay and the nature of the job (24-hour/day, safety sensitive, public visibility) and it's difficult to draw quality leadership.
I understand that Trustee William Weyer was a competent leader as well as was Thomas Goodfellow, both in the pre-State ownership days.
Robin H.H. Wilson was a genetleman who attempted to bring the shops into the 20th Century but underestimated the political clout of the unions and the lack of MTA support against the old practices. Ken Bauer was a really nice fellow, but his experience was limited to finances. He lack the political clout to keep above water.
Frank Gabreski was a personal friend and probably the best the Railroad had seen in recient times. A working man's hero, he rallied the forces, brought pride to Company, stood up against silly decisions and negotiated fairly with the Unions. Unfortunately, he played rather recklessly politically, overestimating the security of public opinion.
In a television interview, he stated "The only problem with the LIRR is the MTA". That type of Robert Moses chest-beating didn't pass muster in 1983/4. It ended his career.
Much of the "can-do" mantra that hallmarked a Railroad that spend decades making due with nothing died when Frank left. After that, it was pretty much "tax and spend" around the place.
Clem
