US Conference of Mayors president responds to Amtrak train derailment

WASHINGTON, DC – US Conference of Mayors President Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson today issued the following statement in support of Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and the people of his city regarding Tuesday’s Amtrak train derailment:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the individuals and families impacted by Tuesday night’s derailment of the Amtrak commuter train en route to New York City from Washington, D.C.

“We stand with our colleague and U.S. Conference of Mayors Past President Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter as he deals with the aftermath of this horrible incident.

“While we do not yet have all the details regarding the cause of the derailment, this situation underscores the importance of making sure our nation’s infrastructure is in quality condition and is appropriately funded. We all know that investment in our transportation systems generates jobs, but, more importantly, those systems impact the quality-of-life of countless people who use them everyday. And, we must also insist that needed safety systems and practices go forward to prevent where possible future incidents like this.

“Simply put, America cannot thrive and our nation’s economy cannot continue to grow and be globally competitive if we refuse to invest in the very thing that undergirds our ability travel to work and school, move goods, deliver services and maintain relationships with family and friends.”

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are nearly 1400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor.