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"As your State Representative, I pledge to serve to my best abilities the citizens of the area, by encouraging what makes this district great. This region of the state has been ignored for a long time - Funding Schools, Indiana's strong reliance on Property Taxes, Personal Rights and Safety as well as Economic Development are some of the few points that need to be addressed. It is time to stand up and make our voice heard."
~Tom Knollman
Updates
Transit can work if all state is linked
Members of the Legislature have been pushing hard to require the Indiana Department of Transportation, (INDOT), to conduct a feasibility study on implementing a mass transit rail system from surrounding areas to Indianapolis.
The House Roads and Transportation Committee, and Environmental Affairs Committee conducted a joint public hearing at the Indiana Statehouse last month to examine the potential for developing mass transit systems throughout the state.
I don't oppose the idea of a mass transit system. Such a system could help our state solve problems of congestion, growth, pollution, and energy conservation.
However, what I would like to know is whether these proposed systems would incorporate some of our currently existing rail lines that aren't getting much use, and whether the economic boon could be spread to additional cities throughout the state.
Take Connersville for instance. The city has long been a tourist destination for railroad and canal buffs. Connersville and Metamora formed a hub of activity for a brief moment in history -- back before the days of mass transportation and mass communication.
Today, visitors can board vintage rail equipment and sit back to enjoy a scenic 32-mile ride as the train winds along the towpath of the historic Whitewater Canal. This attraction is an important component to the economies of both cities, and I'd like to see more development of railroads in areas like these as part of any new mass transit system in Indiana.
We must redouble our efforts to make sure our local economies are growing and progressing along with our state capital. If Indiana is serious about building a statewide mass transit system, we must be sure that smaller communities share in the economic benefits. All Hoosiers would benefit if legislators were to act in a cooperative, bipartisan manner to see this priority acted upon before it's too late.
I look forward to seeing progress on this issue. Benjamin Franklin once said, "Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning."
Let's get to it.
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