George Colli

Investment in Infrastructure Can Bring Transportation Relief to Region

(Suffield, September 19, 2008)  Local businessman and 7^th District State Senate Candidate George Colli says that it’s time to make the investment in light rail to connect area towns to Hartford and Springfield, something his opponent has voted against in the past. 

In 1993, John Kissel opposed efforts by the state to acquire abandoned track for future light rail expansion, saying at a transportation committee hearing that the acquisition was “just a bad idea.”

“John Kissel was out of touch then and is out of touch now.  Not only has he voted multiple times to raise the gasoline tax, he also opposed investing in light rail infrastructure that would dramatically reduce transportation costs for tens of thousands of his constituents,” Colli said. 

Colli added that a bulk of the infrastructure is already in place. 

“What we’ve lacked is the political will and long term vision from our State Senator to make it happen.” 

Colli points to the success of the Shoreline East rail service that runs from New London to New Haven with connecting service to New York via Metro North.  Ridership has grown significantly, and a new weekend schedule added nine trains on both Saturdays and Sundays.   Colli says it’s time to apply the same model for North Central Connecticut.  

“The tracks are there, some of it in use by Amtrak and some is abandoned and in need of repair.  It’s time we get the key stakeholders at all levels of government together and begin the process of getting this rail service operating.  This isn’t rocket science, it’s bringing forth leadership to get things done for the people of the 7^th Senate District.”