Re-routing trains around city (Mayor Fretti VDT)

Dear Editor and Concerned Citizens of Valdosta-Lowndes County Georgia

I commend MAJOR JOHN J. FRETTI for being candid in Sundays Valdosta Daily Times concerning the crash of Norfork Southern Freight train crash into a semi near 401 South Oak street in down town Valdosta at the rail road crossing.

“This time it was a truck with steel and a train with UPS. While INCONVENIENT, there are no FATALITIES. Next time it could be a truck and train with chemicals.”

For years now our politicians have been talking about a routing trucks around the down town area. I hope this will put pressure on the right people to act NOW before there is a more serious mishap in our beloved community. I hope they will not ignore this most serious matter as they have some other issues in our community.

There comes a time when our elected officials and others must act on behalf of the citizens of Valdosta and Lowndes County quickly. And this is such a time.

I appreciate the mayor’s sense of concern, leadership and professionals in this mater. Moreover, I hope his words move the railroad and city officials to act NOW for the good of the people. Again, I thank MAYOR FRETTI for not side stepping this most serious issue.

GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES

A concerned citizens and brother of humanity