February 7: ‘Romance of the Rails,’ a Policy Briefing Luncheon with Randal O’Toole

Join the Georgia Public Policy Foundation for “Romance of the Rails,” a noon Policy Briefing Luncheon and Book Forum keynoted by Randal O’Toole on Thursday, February 7, at The Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta.
O’Toole, a Cato Institute Senior Fellow working on urban growth, public land and transportation issues, will discuss his latest book, “Romance of the Rails: Why the Passenger Trains We Love Are Not the Transportation We Need.”

About Randal O’Toole: O’Toole’s research on national forest management, culminating in his 1988 book, “Reforming the Forest Service,” had a major influence on U.S. Forest Service policy and on-the-ground management. His analysis of urban land-use and transportation issues, brought together in his 2001 book, “The Vanishing Automobile and Other Urban Myths,” influenced decisions in cities across the country. In his book, “The Best-Laid Plans,” O’Toole calls for repealing federal, state, and local planning laws and proposes reforms that can help solve social and environmental problems without heavy-handed government regulation.

O’Toole is the author of numerous Cato papers. He has written articles for Regulation magazine as well as op-eds and articles for numerous other national journals and newspapers. He travels extensively and has spoken about free-market environmental issues in dozens of cities. The Oregon native and resident was educated in forestry at Oregon State University and in economics at the University of Oregon. Copies of his new book will be available for purchase.

This event, which is open to the public, is $35 to attend and includes lunch. Registration is required; the deadline to register is Tuesday, February 5. Register at Eventbrite or send your check for $35 per attendee (memo: “O’Toole Event”) to Georgia Public Policy Foundation, 3200 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Suite 214, Atlanta, GA 30339.

What they’re saying about his book:

• In a January 23 review in The Wall Street Journal, Patrick Cooke describes O’Toole as “a reluctant realist among dreamers,” and his book as an “exhaustively researched exploration of America’s passenger-rail story.”
• “Regardless of whether you are a rail advocate or critic, this book is for you. We can all learn from its remarkable historical insights and extraordinary research, especially as revolutionary changes in America’s transport network are certain to change our future travel preferences,” writes Joseph Vranich, former president of the High Speed Rail Association, in advance praise of the book.
•  “Me? I enjoyed it, even when it made me uncomfortable and though I didn’t always agree with what I read,” writes Trains magazine contributor Fred Frailey.
• “Whether you’re new to railroading and have a lot to learn, or a veteran who’s been reading this stuff all your life, you’ll enjoy O’Toole’s brisk, engaging narrative,” writes Classic Trains columnist Kevin Keefe.

Why are O’Toole’s perspective and research so important to policy-makers and residents of metropolitan areas? Because the success of transportation tomorrow hinges on the policy decisions made today.
Questions? Email or call Benita Dodd at 404-256-4050.

Media who wish to attend must contact Benita Dodd.

What: “Romance of the Rails,” a Policy Briefing Luncheon
Who: Randal O’Toole
When: Noon, Thursday February 7, 2019 (Registration, networking begin at 11:30 a.m.)
Where: The Metropolitan Club, 5895 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30005 
Attire: Business, business casual

About the Georgia Public Policy Foundation: Established in 1991, the Foundation is an independent, state-focused think tank that proposes market-oriented approaches to public policy to improve the lives of Georgians. Regular events include Leadership Breakfasts and Policy Briefing Luncheons. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/GeorgiaPolicy and on Twitter at twitter.com/gppf. The Foundation has been ranked in the Global Go-To Think Tank Index as one of the “Best Independent Think Tanks.”