by Senator Michael Moore
I’d like to thank Mr. Delli Priscoli for his response to my article opposing the Federal legislation regarding chemicals used in manufacturing and other processes. I deeply appreciate his noting my support of both railroads and small businesses such as Knight’s Limousine. At a time when we need to concentrate on creating new jobs, railroads can bring significant economic benefits to a region.
However, when railroad corporations don’t address the necessary infrastructure needs to keep communities safe it often falls to the local municipality or to the state to address them. In the Transportation Bond Bill passed this week by the legislature I advocated for and was successful in securing language that if authorized will provide $2 million for upgrades to railroad crossings in the towns of Grafton, Hopedale, Milford and Upton. This funding from the state will help address safety issues at these rail crossings thereby saving railroads from these significant expenses. I also supported $175 million for rail projects including Springfield to Worcester service, Boston to Cape Cod service and Pittsfield to New York City service.
That being said, one photo of me on a train should not be considered a blanket endorsement of every action taken by the G & U railroad. I am proud to be a pro-business elected official and was named a Friend of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business- Massachusetts. I support carefully thought out measures to help businesses thrive. However, those measures cannot be at the expense of public health and safety. The federal bill I referenced could have far reaching public health and safety ramifications and should be given very careful consideration. This is especially true of communities, which are directly impacted by railways. There are many railroads across the nation that have excellent models in place and that work in tandem with their local and state regulatory agencies to ensure that every possible effort is made to ensure public safety.
Unfortunately, this bill would make certain exemptions for railroads and other commercial enterprises that would overrule local and state laws and regulations currently in place regarding chemical transport. Despite best intentions accidents have and can happen, as I referenced in the op-ed regarding the styrene spill in Upton. While no one may have sustained serious injury at this accident, it is not enough to simply be hopeful that is the case in the future. On Page 4 of the Clean Harbors report it states: “The Director of Public Works for the Town of Upton arrived during the meeting and stated that workers from the Waste Water Treatment Facility (WWTF) located to the south of the release area and property, were complaining of odors and health effects from the styrene”. Over the course of history we have seen the consequences of leaving corporations unchecked without governmental oversight. The public should be made aware when legislation is presented that could have a detrimental impact on their health or safety.
UPTON DAILY 
To all, after all the back and forth over these railroad issues I decided to do some research on the issues backed up with facts and informed opinions all of which is on-line thru media sources and public records. First Senator Micheal Moore has been to the railroad in Upton 3 times . Twice for photo shots endorsing the railroad and its efforts plus a very detailed interview stating his praise for the efforts of the owner putting private capital to work to create jobs and value for all. Moore now indirectly states that the railroad is not providing the infrastructure according to the Senator to facilitate safe handling of the products its handling. It is interesting to note that propane is being transloaded both in Worcester downtown (a population that is certainly greater than Grafton) and in Westboro with a pump cart today with no benefit of permanent fire compliant infrastructure that I read was part of the plan for Grafton (Federal court record testimony). I read that the railroad supplied fire fighting equipment (recently used in car fire unrelated to the railroad) to both Upton and Grafton yet he fails to mention that clear fact-why? Is this because the railroad is contributing in positive way? This transloading in Worcester goes on daily yet where is Senator Moore? Moore never complained for the citizens of Mass. when multiple chemicals where being transferred in Allston adjacent to Colleges and 600,000 people why? These are now being transloaded in Worcester yet where is Senator Moore? Are all the transloading yards impervious like Upton ? Are the populations Smaller? So it appears that Senator Moore has no problem as long as it is somewhere else other than his district. In other words someone else’ s backyard yet he wants propane for Knights limo -where do you think propane comes from Senator Moore? This is a classic not in my back yard just like cell towers, etc that we all take for granted today. Do you use a a coffee cup from Dunkin donuts Senator Moore? That is made from polystyrene. Many products we all enjoy to make our lives better come from somebodies backyard. It is very disappointing when Senator Moore claims he supports the railroad yet when the not in my backyard folks come out he flips his response. This is classic political hackarama at its finest. I for one want real leadership by leaders not political narcissists- its time for a change and get rid of career politicians and vote for real leaders thank you.
Amazing. Thank you Senator Moore for always putting people over corporate profit that stands to endanger families and and put the community and environment at risk, for the benefit of the few. Well said.