Town Council calls for rally against Amtrak plan

Town of Charlestown Press Release Demonstration Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 4:30 PM Rhode Island State House Rotunda Come to a demonstration to have the Federal Railroad Administration drop the Old Saybrook, CT to Kenyon, RI Bypass from the Tier 1 Final EIS at the Rhode Island State House Wednesday, January 25, 2017, 4:30 PM. The Charlestown Town Council has reserved four motor coaches, at no cost to you, to drive South County residents to demonstrate against the Bypass and urge the State of Rhode Island to protect: ·       Narragansett Tribal Land ·       Farms ·       Homes ·       Historic Buildings ·       Drinking Water ·       Parks and Hiking Trails ·       Private Property Rights ·       Public Trust in Land Conservation ·       And Remove the Sword Hanging Over Property Owner's Heads for 30 to 50 Years  The Town Administrator's Assistant, Michele Voislow will take reservations on both email at:  MVoislow@charlestownri.org or phone at (401) 364-1210. The demonstration will be during business hours for the Rhode Island Legislature and the Rhode Island Governor's office. The Town realizes many cannot ride the bus due to work commitments; however, if you drive directly to the State House, also let Michele know by email or phone. The buses will be filled until at capacity with a short waiting list to accommodate last minute cancellations. The buses are open to all interested people, not just Charlestown residents. Bring your children to see how democracy works! The media will be there, as will your Legislators, so come demonstrate your concern and urge Governor Gina Raimondo, Senator Reed, Senator Whitehouse and Representative Langevin write clear letters to the FRA stating, we are all in favor of Providence having fast train service, but "Drop the Bypass and keep the trains in the existing railroad Right-of-Way". Logistics: 2:00 PM Arrive at Charlestown Town Hall. Your reservation will be checked by Town employees before you board the buses. As buses fill, they will leave for the State House as it will take time to pass through State House Security. Bring signs that state your objection to the Bypass. (Note: Capitol Police do not allow any handles on the placards, so they should be sturdy enough to hold up and not flex too much.) The last bus will leave by 2:30 PM. We can demonstrate throughout the Capitol Building, as long as normal business is not interrupted. 4:00 PM Arrival at State House. You may visit your local legislators in their offices; view Legislature in action from the House or Senate Chamber balcony or galleries. State House rules require that all demonstrators are seated and remain quiet, no signs are allowed in the balcony or gallery area. 4:30 PM Rally begins. Speakers will be delivering their message to the Governor and Legislators as will the Washington County Legislators who signed the letter to the Governor, Senator Reed, Senator Whitehouse and Representative Langevin. Please cheer them on! Approximately 6:00 PM:  Board buses back to Town Hall. You need to reboard the same bus you rode up to the State House, as headcounts will be taken. Let our voices be heard in Providence.                 Virginia Lee                                                    Julie Carroccia President, Charlestown Town Council               Vice President, Charlestown Town Council