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  • Sen. George A. Smathers

  • Discussion related to railroads/trains that show up in TV shows, commercials, movies, literature (books, poems and more), songs, the Internet, and more... Also includes discussion of well-known figures in the railroad industry or the rail enthusiast hobby.
Discussion related to railroads/trains that show up in TV shows, commercials, movies, literature (books, poems and more), songs, the Internet, and more... Also includes discussion of well-known figures in the railroad industry or the rail enthusiast hobby.

Moderator: Aa3rt

 #352495  by Gilbert B Norman
 
I note that former Sen. George A. Smathers passed last week at age 93.

Senator Smathers (D-FL) was a "Kennedy Democrat' and likely part of JFK's "rat pack' for after-hour dalliances; while the New York Times obit did not make any mention of either the preceeding or the more significant point to follow, Smathers was an author of the Transportation Act of 1958. While this legislation paled in the scope of its reforms when compared with first the 3R of 1973 (Conrail enabling), the 4R of 1976 (Govt assistance to repair track), and the culmination of reform with the Staggers Act of 1979 (dereg; making an essential industry a viable industry), it nevertheless was the first post-WWII legislation recognizing the industry was in trouble and was essential to the nation's economic health.

The Act was 'baby steps"; but it enabled the industry to have rate making freedom not previously enjoyed in a regulated environment by enabling railroads to set rates, as distinct from petitioning for new rates. "Persons desiring to object' in effect had to "show cause' which is a higher standard to block a new rate than the prfevious petition. Further, it provided for Federal intervention in regulatory matters properly brought to a State agency should that agency "balk' at making a decision.

The Act wasn't much, but it was a first.

When enacted, the Democrats controlled Congress, and Republican President Eisenhower was often noted for (accused of) his close ties to highway and motor interests. However, he chose to sign the legislation.

So I would hope that we could consider Sen. Smathers as one of "the men who loved trains".

New York Times