Garrett Opponent Urges More Communication Regarding Transport Of Hazardous Materials By Trains

TEANECK, N.J. — Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat running to represent the 5th Congressional District, called on federal and local legislators to require critical information related to the transportation of Bakken crude oil and other hazardous materials on trains throughout Bergen County be released to local officials.

Gottheimer was at Firehouse No. 4, accepting the endorsement of the New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association’s endorsement of his candidacy for urging this new level of communication.

The FMBA represents more than 5,000 firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians and dispatchers in New Jersey.

According to Gottheimer’s campaign, rail companies are not required to share information regarding what materials are transported so local emergency officials can be better prepared to help people should a disaster occur. About 15 to 30 trains travel through 11 Bergen County municipalities on the CSX River Line from Albany, New York to a refinery in Philadelphia, the campaign said.

The time it could take for local officials to get this information from state officials could endanger the lives of residents and our first responders – time we could be taking action to protect our children and families,” said Gottheimer, a former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and Wyckoff resident.

The union cited Rep. Scott Garrett’s record of voting against critical resources for first responders as an important reason for their endorsement.

According to Gottheimer’s campaign, Garrett twice voted against the Zadroga Act, which provides medical care to 9/11 first responders who have become ill because of for work at Ground Zero in New York City.

Gottheimer’s campaign also claimed that Garrett refused to sign letters of support to accompany federal firefighter grant applications submitted by municipalities within the 5th district.

“Supporting the brave men and women who protect our community as First Responders has been one of Scott Garrett’s top priorities since he began serving the people of the 5th District in Congress," said Sarah Neibart, Garrett for Congress campaign manager. "He has sponsored, voted for and signed letters in support of legislation to benefit First Responders — including the Zadroga Act."

The 5th district includes parts of Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties. In Bergen the municipalities include: Fair Lawn, Franklin Lakes, Glen Rock, Hillsdale, Mahwah, New Milford, Oakland, Paramus, Ramsey, Ridgewood, Teaneck (most), Township of Washington,Westwood, and Wyckoff.

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