Every week there is a new letter to the editor complaining about smoke, noise, fire risk or some other aspect of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge train.
Often, these complaints insinuate the train is a new and unwelcome presence in Durango.
The line to Silverton has run continuously since 1881. No one living in Durango can be said to predate the train. You moved here, or grew up here, with full knowledge of the train.
Would you expect sympathy if you moved near an airport and then decided you can’t stand the noise?
No.
The train is a major tourist draw and tourism is a major employment sector in the local economy, like it or not. Durango needs young people and young families to maintain a vibrant local culture. People of working age need jobs: a town consisting only of retirees is not self-sustaining.
If you get your wish and the train disappears, Durango loses numerous direct jobs with the railroad and commensurate follow-on socioeconomic impacts from a major decline in tourism.
No, I think the better solution is: if the train bothers you too much, sell and move on.
The train came first.
Max Wiegmann
Durango
