Letters To the Editor

Expand Rail Into S.Md.

Editor's note: The following letter was originally sent to Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D).

This letter is to inform you that at the very least, I am very disappointed that the area that I represent, Southern Maryland -- the fastest-growing area in the state -- has not been included in plans for MARC or CSX passenger rail in your multimillion transportation package, according to published reports. While I may be wrong, once again, Southern Maryland seems to have been passed over by your administration.

I worked very hard for you during your campaign for governor and still remain a strong supporter. However, why this area has been passed over for consideration of passenger rail in published reports has me seriously concerned about the priorities of the Maryland Department of Transportation.

We have no representation in your Cabinet and now, other areas of the state are being considered for passenger rail while we are not.

When I campaign every four years for this office, I make it a point to follow through on all of my promises.

In your 2006 campaign brochure -- entitled "Martin O'Malley: A Governor for all of Southern Maryland" -- one of your promises to "Improve Regional Transportation for Southern Maryland" was to "Expand investments in transit to get more drivers off the road."

I trust you will follow through on this promise and reconsider your bold, visionary passenger rail plan to include Southern Maryland.

I look forward to your response.

Sen. Roy P. Dyson (D)