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Oct 18, 2024

Pin down this N.J. congressman on light-rail proposal | Letter - nj.com

U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, D-1st Dist., who is seeking re-election, should publicly state whether he is for or against building the proposed Glassboro-Camden light rail line (GCL). Before it was

U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, D-1st Dist., who is seeking re-election, should publicly state whether he is for or against building the proposed Glassboro-Camden light rail line (GCL).

Before it was turned over for management to NJ Transit, the project was strongly supported by the bi-state Delaware River Port Authority. Some of its New Jersey commissioners have deep ties to South Jersey political power broker George Norcross III, who is the congressman’s brother.

How many towns have said they don’t want 150 trains criss-crossing their communities on a daily basis? Governing bodies and/or voters in Pitman, Mantua Township, Wenonah and Woodbury Heights — which would have proposed stations — have opposed the line. On Nov. 5, voters in Glassboro and Brooklawn can have their say in non-binding ballot questions.

Although recent estimates were around $2 billion, good luck trying to get a straightforward, updated construction price. The GCL project team follows the lead of Kamala Harris in issuing “word salad” responses.

If safety is your concern, there are almost weekly stories in the South Jersey Times about the accidents that NJ Transit train and bus lines are involved in, some of them resulting in injuries and fatalities.

Maybe Rep. Norcross could use his connections to educate taxpayers on the current cost projection, since the project might not be eligible for any federal funding. I challenge the congressman to man up: Let potential voters know your position on the GCL, the sooner the better.

Carol Rhodes, Barnsboro

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Editor’s note: On Nov. 5, Norcross faces Republican Theodore “Teddy” Liddell and two independent candidates for the 1st Dist. Congressional seat.

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