Gov. Charlie Crist

Gov. Charlie Crist may more actively support the CSX deal this year because, he says, “I think commuter rail is important… I think it's important to have diversity in our transportation options."

But never has Crist, who inherited this deal from former-Gov. Jeb Bush, addressed the deal’s many severe problems.

Never, for example, has he explained why Florida should pay the most ever for railroad tracks. Nor why citizens should support a deal struck in secret and guided by railroad executives who stood to profit. Nor why taxpayers should pay for potential accidents caused by the railroad’s recklessness.

And never has Crist addressed why Florida should allow a freight super-railway to forever change the life of inland towns and cities, whose citizens have been tagged as “whiners” in Tallahassee.

Crist has yet to acknowledge that other states have refused to indemnify private freight railroads for accidents they cause on commuter lines. Neither does he address the obstacle the freight super-railway poses for creating inter-city passenger rail to Tampa and St. Petersburg. And he’s smart enough to know this deal is not Orlando's last chance at commuter rail.

Crist would best serve Florida citizens by focusing on the horizon and creating a statewide system for passenger rail, including commuter rail in regions with dedicated local funds.

There is wisdom in reconsidering projects when enormous consequences become clear. And it wouldn't be the first time Florida backed away from a suspect project.

In 1970, construction of the Miami Jetport in the Big Cypress Swamp was halted after two years. A year later, then-U.S. Sen. Lawton Chiles passed federal legislation creating the Big Cypress National Freshwater Preserve. And in 2000, Congress appropriated $7.8 billion for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program.

Also in 1971, President Nixon halted work on the Cross Florida Barge Canal after $63 million was spent on the 107-mile structure. Ten years ago, the right-of-way became the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross-Florida Greenway.

Saying ‘no’ to the CSX deal will allow Florida's brightest minds the opportunity to create the Right Track For Florida and serve citizens everywhere.

Check here during the legislative session to follow Crist’s performance on behalf of citizens. We’ll keep you posted.