Garrett vs. Train Safety

Well, our Representative Scott Garrett was one of 38 Representatives to vote against making the trains so many of us rely on safer. Almost needless to say at this point is that once again Garrett was the only Representative from New Jersey to vote against this bill. By voting against the Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007, Garrett voted against a bill with the following purpose:

To amend title 49, United States Code, to prevent railroad fatalities, injuries, and hazardous materials releases, to authorize the Federal Railroad Safety Administration, and for other purposes.

It's kind of odd to think about the campaign last year, seeing Garrett down in the Hoboken Train Station shaking hands with people. What's he going to say to them next year? "Of course I was one of only 38 Representatives who voted to make your ride home less safe. Have a nice trip." I'm sure the 252,400 daily NJ Transit rail riders won't appreciate Garrett's lack of support.

I hope Garrett doesn't think those voters on the Bergen/Main, Pascack Valley, and the Hackettstown lines won't find out. After all, my understanding is that they're all leased to freight lines by NJ Transit and that fall under this bill.

I'm also fairly certain those that live along our dedicated freight lines won't appreciate Garrett's lack of support, especially for the provisions regarding hazardous waste accident preparedness and response.

If Garrett said anything about the Bill, I'll put it up.