McNerney visits with Lodi leaders, talks transportation

Congressman McNerney visited Lodi recently and met with city officials, including Mayor Bob Johnson, Vice Mayor JoAnne Mounce, City Manager Blair King and other senior city staff.

One of more prominent issues discussed was a possible ACE train extension to Lodi. According to the Lodi News-Sentinel:

McNerney said he discussed the issue of bringing a commuter train to Lodi. The Altamont Commuter Express train is considering expanding service from the Bay Area to Sacramento with a potential stop in Lodi. McNerney, a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said he was "excited" about the idea of bringing more passenger rail service to the Central Valley.

"It's an issue that is very important to the committee," he said.

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Johnson said the meeting was a good chance to get to know the congressman and introduce him to the issues.

"It seemed he had an interest in many areas of our concern," Johnson said. "He seemed cognizant of the issue of light rail and seemed interested in seeing that move forward."

Congressman McNerney also discussed a number of other issues, including groundwater contamination cleanup, renewable and new energy technology, Homeland Security funding, and Community Development Block Grants.

To read more about the Lodi meeting, click here.

Comments

[Greg James]

Why can't we have bullet trains like the Europeans and Japanese?? Why can't we have a national rapid train system to cross the nation, like President Eisenhower in promoting interstate highways?? Are we so tied to cars, SUVs and plane travel?? Let's see some leadership on the national level... Greg James

[Richard Linville]

Transportation is certainly an important issue. I would suggest you look into the cost of rail compared to other forms of transit. You’ll immediately realize that since the cost per rider is ten times as high on a train, alternatives are cheaper and more flexible. Trains are great for moving grain, ore, and long haul freight, but for commuters it is simply a waist. I have no vested interest in one mode over another. If the objective is to have cleaner air, less congestion, and conserve energy make mass transit comprehensive, convenient, and free.

[Len Brackett]

Dear Mr. McNerney,
While I live in Nevada City, and put most of my efforts into trying to get Charlie Brown elected ( alas, he wasn't!), I also stumped for you in Lodi where my sweetheart lives. I cannot tell you how pleased I am with how you conduct yourself, and how relieved I am to see what you're doing. I wish we were looking at 50% of our energy supplies mandated as being renewable, but I guess it takes more than a dreamer like me to be realistic.

I am concerned that you have to divert your energies to getting elected, especially since I know that entails raising money, which I firmly believe should NOT be what you should have to be doing. How about a bill mandating that in order for all radio and TV stations to renew their FCC licenses they must devote a certain number of hours or a percentage of their air time to debates between ALL the political candidates, and that a strict limit be placed on how money any candidate can spend on their campaigns? I will work for in the next election, and I won't cost you anything.
Len Brackett

[joeann edmonds et.al.]

Thank you for taking the time to do what we elected you to do. Watch out for the environment. I think you have a great start.
However, we, who came from Marin to walk the streets and knock on doors for you want to make sure you work just as hard to save our soldiers and our country,and the Iraqi innocents. We appreciate your vote against the "surge" and by that; sent a message of our disapproval of this Iraq war. We are asking you to do MORE. I was in DC during your speech in the House Thank you. I urge you to join the progressive caucus if you have not already. )Some information is not readily available) Please vote to bring our troops home NOW. It is urgent , important and necessary. The Iran War drum beat needs to be denounced and dismissed. The authorization for the Iraq war needs to be readressed. In other words: STOP THE INSANITY OF THIS ADMINISTRATION. IF NEED BE IMPEACH THEM FOR WAR CRIMES AND INCOMPETENCE. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN
Thank you for your hard work.
joeann edmonds