Dear Chairman Wolff:

When you and Frank Wilson came to Washington on July 13 to share your proposals for the University Line with me, I asked you two questions – when could you begin sharing these proposals with the public, and how long would you need to win public support for the proposals? You committed to host a series of public meetings on the proposals beginning Tuesday, July 18, and requested two weeks to gain the support of people who own homes, businesses, or properties along Richmond.

Prior to this meeting, over 90% of my constituents who live, work or own property along Richmond expressed their strong opposition to rail on Richmond. During the ensuing two week period when Metro attempted to sell their proposals to Richmond area residents and business owners, the correspondence I received still registered over 90% opposition to rail on Richmond. Their opposition is especially notable since the vast majority of them supported the rail referendum in 2003.

Metro is responsible for garnering and demonstrating public support for its proposed rail lines, and Metro has spent the last six months trying to influence public opinion on Richmond. In the face of overwhelming opposition to its proposals, Metro should remove the Richmond routes from consideration at the scheduled August 8 board meeting and start a thoughtful and constructive dialogue with the people who have the most at stake – those who own homes, businesses or properties along Richmond.

In public and private conversations, Mayor White has stated that rail will not be built where it is not wanted. I believe that public opinion among the Richmond area residents and business owners on this issue is abundantly clear, they do not want rail on Richmond. My job is to protect the quality of life of my constituents, and the Richmond options lack public support and should be taken off of the table completely.

Sincerely,

John Culberson
Member of Congress