EMAIL DETAILS

Hunter,
I hope you are well. Thank you for your support and your caring. If there is something I can do for you or for your father I will do so.
While I have not communicated with your Dad in any way I know that he supported me on the decisions of the Board this week.
That being said the Board wishes to find a fair way to move in a different direction. They do not wish me harm (at least that is the communication) In fact they wish to enter an indeterminate time contract with me as they find a successor for me in the CEO role. I believe the honest reason is that they see a need for skills that I don't really have in a sufficient level or understanding to be the CEO in what they believe is a "Business Deal Development" role that exists now.
I think that is true. I am not a typical "business" guy. While I think I have the skills to run the Railroad, that is not their most important interest that they have today. It is not that they don't think that is important, its only that to make Amtrak really successful at this point they need a (my words) Financially focused, wall street savvy guy that will drive the company. That could never be me. I have serious concerns for the National System as I really don't think their is the respect or interest in taking care of it. Were it up to me I would split it away from the Northeast at this point and make the NEC take care of its own. I'd concentrate the rest of the national railroad on connecting the communities and ensure that it had appropriate access to the NEC but let the NEC operate on its own, let it keep its assets and its overhead.
Again I think you and your guy and will continue to do my best, but truthfully I really don't want to work for this Board when they don't believe I am the person that they can have confidence in. I pray for you and for your Dad and family as you all make decisions for the future.
Joe