Prop 2 is flawed

Proposition 2, although well-intentioned, makes no sense for our community. Companies respond to economic incentives. Implementing a hefty fine per oil or coal rail car would undoubtedly cause these companies to cut costs by resorting to truck transportation.

This fact severely undercuts any safety goals Proposition 2’s supporters may claim to have. Accidents and spills are many times more likely to happen in road traffic than rail traffic. It would be dangerous and irresponsible to force accident-prone trucks to our roads.

The backers of Proposition 2 sell it as a cure-all measure that puts an end to dangerous trains. This rhetoric ignores reality. If safety is the goal, rail transportation needs to be our choice. Rail has the lowest accident rates and is the single safest choice for avoiding spills and injuries.

We should acknowledge the facts and act in the best interest of our safety. Prop 2 has too many factual flaws in its reasoning. Vote no on Proposition 2 to avoid its dangerous consequences

Steve Salvatori

Spokane