The Union Leader counters a recent column from the Manchester Chamber of Commerce President Robin Comstock calling for a massive public investment in commuter rail for New Hampshire.

Monday morning, Manchester Mayor-elect Ted Gatsas was asked about commuter rail while on WGIR-AM. Gatsas said, as he has before, that he likes the concept, but he wants to know who is going to pay for it. If it is to cost city taxpayers, then he’s not so interested. The city has bigger priorities, he said.

That’s exactly right, and it’s disappointing that the chamber leadership doesn’t get it. The chamber seems to think commuter train service will be paid for by a magical rail fairy. In reality, state and local taxes will have to be raised to fund it. We wonder how many chamber members would continue to support commuter rail if shown the full cost.