Fichter Uses Rail Safety As Political Publicity Stunt

9/11/04: A recent train derailment in East Norriton caused a spill of birdseed adjacent to a residential complex. We were lucky it was only birdseed this time, as the rail line has routinely transported hazardous materials. In fact, four and one-half years ago, in April 2000, there was another derailment of 5 train cars in the same area, one of which contained large volumes of tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a hazardous material. [9/14/04 note: CSX and Norfolk Southern have subsequently indicated that they have discontinued hazardous transport on this line.] The previous incident involving hazardous material apparently never interested State Representative John Fichter (R-70) enough to commence any action or investigation for the past four and one-half years. However, this latest incident involving birdseed has spurred Rep. Fichter, and his freshman counterpart in the 150th District, Jacqueline Crahalla, to stage a public hearing at the East Norriton Township Building on Tuesday, September 14, 2004.

"On this anniversary of the 9/11/01 attacks, the recent derailment was a sobering reminder of the risks represented by hazardous material transport through our communities," said Gordon. "The safety of our rail system, particularly in residential areas, is of critical importance to health and safety. Unfortunately, it appears that Rep. Fichter is only interested in maintaining our safety as a campaign stunt. He has done nothing for four and one-half years in response to a derailment involving hazardous materials that occurred in April 2000. Why is he suddenly feigning concern by holding a public meeting just 50 days before the election, in response to a birdseed spill? This strikes me as a political campaign publicity stunt." Gordon continued, "Protection of his political career seems to be more important to John Fichter than protection of residents from hazardous spills."

Matthew Gordon, the challenger to Rep. Fichter in the upcoming election, has worked for over 20 years on pollution prevention and site cleanup as a groundwater hydrologist and environmental scientist. He understands the gravity of the issues involved with respect to environmental and human health protection, and is experienced in working with environmental regulators and industry to address potential threats from hazardous materials. He looks forward to putting the public interest first, rather than politics, when he is
elected State Representative on November 2.



			Fichter Uses Rail Safety As Political Publicity Stunt 9/11/04: A recent train derailment in East Norriton caused a spill of birdseed adjacent to a residential complex. We were lucky it was only birdseed this time, as the rail line has routinely transported hazardous materials. In fact, four and one-half years ago, in April 2000, there was another derailment of 5 train cars in the same area, one of which contained large volumes of tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a hazardous material. [9/14/04 note: CSX and Norfolk Southern have subsequently indicated that they have discontinued hazardous transport on this line.] The previous incident involving hazardous material apparently never interested State Representative John Fichter (R-70) enough to commence any action or investigation for the past four and one-half years. However, this latest incident involving birdseed has spurred Rep. Fichter, and his freshman counterpart in the 150th District, Jacqueline Crahalla, to stage a public hearing at the East Norriton Township Building on Tuesday, September 14, 2004. "On this anniversary of the 9/11/01 attacks, the recent derailment was a sobering reminder of the risks represented by hazardous material transport through our communities," said Gordon. "The safety of our rail system, particularly in residential areas, is of critical importance to health and safety. Unfortunately, it appears that Rep. Fichter is only interested in maintaining our safety as a campaign stunt. He has done nothing for four and one-half years in response to a derailment involving hazardous materials that occurred in April 2000. Why is he suddenly feigning concern by holding a public meeting just 50 days before the election, in response to a birdseed spill? This strikes me as a political campaign publicity stunt." Gordon continued, "Protection of his political career seems to be more important to John Fichter than protection of residents from hazardous spills." Matthew Gordon, the challenger to Rep. Fichter in the upcoming election, has worked for over 20 years on pollution prevention and site cleanup as a groundwater hydrologist and environmental scientist. He understands the gravity of the issues involved with respect to environmental and human health protection, and is experienced in working with environmental regulators and industry to address potential threats from hazardous materials. He looks forward to putting the public interest first, rather than politics, when he is elected State Representative on November 2.
















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Fichter Uses Rail Safety As Political Publicity Stunt

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