Rally for Rail 2010 in Fort Wayne
Baker Street Station, January 16, 2010

All Photos Copyright © 2010 by Robert E Pence
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The clock was on the Calhoun Street facade of the bank that stood on the
present site of One Summit Square. Renderings of One Summit Square
showed the clock mounted on the Calhoun Street side of the building, but it
didn't happen. The clock ended up in a warehouse where it was rediscovered a few years ago. It was restored by local artisans and mounted on a structure
just west of the Baker Street Station.

Pre-program music was provided by Possum Trot Orchestra.

Former City Councilman Dr. Tom Hayhurst, one of the organizers and leaders
of NIPRA and Democrat contender for the US Congress seat held by Mark
Souder.

State Senator Tom Wyss is Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation
and Veterans' Affairs.

Geoff Paddock, another NIPRA leader and Master of Ceremonies for the Rally
For Rail.

Fort Wayne City Councilman Tom Smith, a rail supporter and also an advocate
for bicyclists.

Win Moses, former mayor of Fort Wayne and now a State Representative.

Walter "Skip" Sassmanshausen, retired educator and widely acknowledged
as the area's most knowledgeable rail historian.

Senator Wyss again.

Justin Stalter of the Downtown Improvement District, a strong supporter of
NIPRA and provider of technical support.

Seats are filling up.

Nice venue, eh?

Geoff starts the program on schedule.

Fred Lanahan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fort Wayne Public
Transportation Corporation (Citilink)

Standing room only, full to the doors!

Dr. Tom Hayhurst tells how the return of passenger rail will bring jobs to Fort
Wayne and Northeast Indiana.

Pam Holocher of the city's Planning and Policy Office, represented Mayor
Tom Henry.

Allen County Commissioner Bill Brown was caught off guard and hadn't expected to
be called on to speak, but delivered an effective, concise statement on the benefits
of passenger rail for the local economy.

Fred Warner represented Steel Dynamics, now the only Fortune 500
company based in Fort Wayne. Steel Dynamics has invested heavily in rail
production technology, and is developing a facility to manufacture
composite crossties with a steel core and concrete body encased in a
coating made from recycled rubber and plastic to protect from the elements
and lengthen life.

State Senator Tom Wyss makes it clear that he understands the importance of passenger
rail to Fort Wayne.

I didn't get this man's name, but he was here to communicate Senator
Evan Bayh's support. Previously, a message from Senator Richard
Lugar was read, so Fort Wayne passenger trains have strong bi-
partisan support.

Congressman Mark Souder spoke.

The man everyone wanted to hear, INDOT Deputy Commissioner Leigh Morris. His
statement that INDOT has recommended the Fort Wayne - Toledo route for Chicago -
Cleveland service brought applause from the audience.

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