A draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed Glassboro-Camden light-rail line was just released, but I think it’s irrelevant. It doesn’t address the devastating impact the coronavirus has had this year. The line is a 1950s solution to a transportation issue that doesn’t exist in 2020. No one is clamoring to Camden or Glassboro.
Rutgers University-Camden, Camden County College and Rowan University are running predominantly virtual classes. The Battleship USS New Jersey has reopened — only after receiving a state-budget bailout — but has cut its tour schedule. Also on the Camden waterfront, the BB&T Pavilion is closed, with no concerts scheduled until June 2021.
Many people are working from home. Some office buildings in Camden City were built with state tax credits that are being investigated. Will these companies leave if the credits are revoked?
The Delaware River Port Authority, a light-rail partner, was reprimanded by a federal judge who ruled that their contract award system, unrelated to the rail line, was illegal. NJ Transit, the other partner, was rightfully acknowledged by Gov. Phil Murphy as perhaps the worst run-transportation agency in the country, with an abysmal safety record.
New Jersey just experienced another credit rating downgrade since the state is borrowing up to $4.3 billion for the current budget. With state funding participation in the rail line, is this the time to add more debt for an unproven need?
Mantua Township, where I live, is slated to have three stations on this line, changing the landscape of our town. Yet, one alternative would eliminate a proposed station in nearby Wenonah. Fair?
The public can offer comments on the EIS draft through Dec.17, including during virtual public hearings on Nov. 17 and 19. Billions of tax dollars are at stake. Written-comment forms are available at local municipal buildings, or add your voice to the online hearings.
Carol Rhodes, Barnsboro
Dancin' in the streets a message to Trump
When Donald Trump was elected as president, he asked the American people to give him a chance. Most of us did, even after his actions made it clear that he was the president of only those who voted for him.
Trump squandered that chance, including when he lied to us about the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic, fleeced taxpayers by hosting as many official events as he could at his own properties, and made sure his wealthy friends profited from his presidency.
When the media finally called the 2020 election for Joe Biden, people all over America were dancing in the streets over Trump’s defeat. It is true that over 72 million people voted for him, but it’s also true that over 77 million people voted against him.
When Trump’s motorcade returned to the White House after he was golfing last weekend, he had to go past those dancers in the streets to let him know his employment will be terminated. Millions of others lost their employment because of his lack of leadership on the coronavirus outbreak, which he did next to nothing to contain.
The Bible states in Colossians 3:25 “But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”
President-elect Biden will be the president of all people. Give him the same chance that was given to Trump.
Richard Nash, Williamstown
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