Dear Editor:

I read with interest the coverage of the forum held to discuss coal and oil train safety in our community (Coal and oil train forum touches nerve with local issues of safety, noise, and waterfront access, Sept. 17). I was pleased to see the citizen involvement in the forum. This is indeed a serious public safety issue that should be addressed – and it is.

Clearly, Mayor Dave Earling takes the issue seriously, and I commend him for his efforts and proactive approach in convening a volunteer advisory task force to examine it. According to an article published July 29 (Mayor appoints task force to help advise railroad crossings alternatives study) “$680,000 has already been contributed by the State Legislature, the City of Edmonds, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, the Port of Edmonds and Community Transit in response to the growing problems resulting from increasing train volumes blocking vehicle, pedestrian and emergency access to and from the Edmonds waterfront”.

Our leaders and stakeholders alike are moving forward in good faith to listen, advise and develop a workable solution to address both the safety issues involved along with the reality of these trains and the ongoing facilitation of commerce along our waterfront.

Meetings of the Mayor’s group are announced on the City’s Public Meetings and Events Calendar and are open to the public, and I hope that residents will take the opportunity to attend and become more educated about the issue and the real work that’s being done to address public concern.

Jack McRae
Edmonds