Tom DeLay and the toxic train

[johncoby2]

Here is an op-ed I have written. Not sure if it will get printed.



It was great to hear the announcement by Mayor Bill White about the end of the battle with BNSF concerning the San Jacinto Rail. Many elected officials and citizen activists were responsible for this win-win settlement, but make no mistake about it, Congressman Tom DeLay is not deserving of this recognition.

To the average citizen, it would seem that Tom DeLay was responsible for bringing the two parties together and using his political muscle to force a solution that would benefit all, the rail companies, the shippers, and the citizens. What few understand is that DeLay helped create the problem in the first place, and did nothing for three years while his constituents were spending their time and money fighting the proposed San Jacinto Rail.

The rail was proposed in Aug of 2001 and many in the affected areas immediately rallied against the proposal, but also suggested an alternative plan which would satisfy all parties. The opposition was never against free trade, or competition, but instead suggested solutions to provide just that, and three years later, they agreed.

The solution agreed to by the City and the rail partners is the exact same solution proposed in Aug of 2001. It was the same solution a delegation of citizens from Clear Lake and Southeast Houston presented to Tom DeLay when asking for his support in opposition to the proposed rail. At that time DeLay refused “to get involved”. He refused to help his constituents including the rail, and the shippers. Instead he stood idle while his constituents took time and money from their families to attend hearings, rallies, and write in opposition to the rail. For three full years DeLay did nothing until Richard Morrison’s campaign forced him to address the issue in front of his constituents during a debate.

This entire situation was created in 1996 by the merger of Union Pacific and Southern Pacific. In a letter to the Surface Transportation Board DeLay stated this monopoly would actually create competition which in turn would lower shipping rates. According to Lyondell 5 years later, this did not happen and the need for a new rail, the San Jacinto Rail was created.

DeLay may get accolades from the Mayor on being responsible for the settlement, but the real credit should go to the citizens of South Houston and Clear Lake for standing together and organizing to oppose the San Jacinto Rail, while also proposing other solutions to provide competition and therefore lower shipping rates for the chemical partners.

Credit should also go to our local Congressman Nick Lampson, Gene Green, Chris Bell, Houston City Council, and Mayor Brown, and our State Officials John Davis and Rick Noriega. Special thanks goes to City Council Member Addie Wisemen who met with the citizens of Clear Lake on many occasions and was the leader of the opposition.

The settlement provided citizens with an early Christmas present but DeLay on the other hand gets a lump of coal for not addressing the needs of his constituents three years ago, turning his back on them when help was needed, and waiting till he could grandstand for the camera taking credit for a solution that was proposed three years ago.

[CitySky]

1. you tell 'em, John!

Hope the Chron will bite.

[Not_Giving_Up]

2. Ditto!

[muse]

3. Fantastic!!!!!

If I don't see this in the Chronicle, I will not be happy!!!