Gillibrand said a bill re-authorizing funding for transportation projects is being negotiated now, and rail service is a high priority.This is exactly right. It would also open up telecommuting opportunities, making it easier for people whose employers are based in Albany or New York City to extend the tether. On top of that, Plattsburgh already has a toehold in the growing mass-transit industry, and Gillibrand recognizes that better than some locals.
"We want to advocate for some of our projects to be part of that bill. High-speed rail that would come straight up through the North Country to Montreal and straight west all the way to Niagara; that kind of investment is extremely exciting," she said. "We also want to do local rail. If we could have local rail, we could open up tourism opportunities."
Best of all, she's not afraid of using government to do things for communities, a la her old mentor, Senator Pothole.
The senator also told Plattsburgh Mayor Donald Kasprzak that she would support efforts to secure funding for the city to close an old landfill, build a new water storage unit and fight the drug war. "It must be difficult having people asking you for money all the time," Kasprzak said.
"It's not. Especially if I can get it," Gillibrand responded with a smile.
