Steam & Excursion > Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR has a new general manager

A few days ago Ed Beaudette was named to be general manager for the 2024 season. . Beaudette replaces Steven Butler, who resigned earlier this month. Nothing is said about the harassment law suits that was filed during Steve Butler short spell of management when no comment was made about any correcting procedue.



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 03/18/24 19:56 by PlyWoody.

I think I can safely say that the conditions of the suit predated Mr. Butler and it's hard to find fault
with his departure. 

Out 

That started way, way, way before he got there.

callum_out Wrote:
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> I think I can safely say that the conditions of
> the suit predated Mr. Butler and it's hard to find
> fault
> with his departure. 
>
> Out 

Yes.  Dates cited in the lawsuit are mostly 2022.  

Here is the Trainorders thread about the lawsuit from December:

https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?10,5789040,page=1

Jim

What are Mr Beaudette 's qualifications and background?

Posted from Android

He's been in a manaement position with the Friends and has been involved with both the
interface with the railroad and the various resto projects undertaken. He is very familiar with
both the history and operations but removed enough from the past to be effective.

Out 

sounds like a good start.  Thanks!

sounds like a great guy, been living in Chama

PlyWoody Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> A few days ago Ed Beaudette was named to be
> general manager for the 2024 season. . Beaudette
> replaces Steven Butler, who resigned earlier this
> month. Nothing is said about the harassment law
> suits that was filed during Steve Butler short
> spell of management when no comment was made about
> any correcting procedue.

All that lawsuit crap was dumped in Steve's lap from day one when he started.  Anybody who has had to deal with such garbage, knows THAT alone can be enough for any level headed person to say "to hell with this outfit."



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 03/19/24 11:49 by Deal.

Don't dispute Woody and his "facts".   I don't see an appology here from him or even an admission that he got it wrong. 

callum_out Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I think I can safely say that the conditions of
> the suit predated Mr. Butler and it's hard to find
> fault
> with his departure. 
>
> Out 

Indeed the conditions described in the suit predated his hiring. In fact, the lawsuits were filed in Federal District Court just shortly after his hiring. At the time and on another forum I asked whether Butler had been given a heads-up about what was about to happen (I find it hard to believe that those on the Commission had no idea that a lawsuit was threatened). If not, he was being thrown into a snake pit not of his own making and I wished him well.

callum_out Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> He's been in a manaement position with the Friends
> and has been involved with both the
> interface with the railroad and the various resto
> projects undertaken. He is very familiar with
> both the history and operations but removed enough
> from the past to be effective.
>
> Out 

As far as his technical qualifications go, they are top notch. His diplomatic and management skills are what will be tested. From the C&T commission statement:

Beaudette originally joined the C&TSRR after retirement from a distinguished 30+ year career in a variety of engineering, operations and project management roles for ExxonMobil. He began his career as a Corps of Engineer Officer in the US Army and holds a B.S. in Physics from Norwich University and a Master’s in Engineering from Boston University. Beaudette grew up on a Vermont farm adjacent to the Central Vermont Railway, where his passion for steam railroading was first ignited. Ed and wife, Lorraine, live in Chama.
 

There are usually several steps involved in harassment, workplace etc litigation. Starting with an employee or employees saying "this is unacceptable, stop it". If the company fails to remedy the problem it goes to a lawyer. Who repeats the process in a formal letter, etc, and demands a remedy.

There's often a "notice of claim" filed before the lawsuit in an attempt to work things out. The one party says "here's what happened, and here's what I want" and the other party and their insurance work with that.   If there's no deal, a lawsuit is filed, and it goes from there.

In some states, a formal mediation is required before you can actually sue a state or agency.