(Darien - Thurs. March 20, 1997): "News reports that Danbury area politicians have "saved" their line from elimination under the Rowland budget are premature, parochial politics at their worst," says Jim Cameron, Vice Chair of the Commuter Council.

"While GOP Representatives Boucher, Capiello and Scalzo say they have ‘saved the Danbury branch’ trains from the budget axe, they miss the bigger issue of preserving all three of the lines under attack by the Rowland administration. The Council has asked them to support Waterbury and Shore Line East service as well as their local lines, and they have been reluctant to voice that support."

"Of greatest concern is the timing of their self-serving announcement. It comes just hours before this evening’s public hearing in Danbury ( 6pm at the Danbury Railway Museum ) because it may give commuters false hope and discourage their attendance at this important Legislative public hearing."

"The Commuter Council will testify tonight, both in Danbury and in Naugatuck ( Town Hall 7pm ), in support of all three threatened lines. If Rep.’s Boucher, Capiello and Scalzo really believe in mass transit, we’d love to hear them persuade their Governor to not only preserve, but expand, rail service."

"One thing we all agree on is the need to reduce rail subsidies by getting more riders on the trains. The way to do that is to offer more trains, not fewer. The Commuter Council is convinced that the marginal cost of adding more frequent trains will get riders out of their cars."

= 30 =