From Jim Brown, President, Sugarloaf Citizens -- January 30, 2006

Rob....on behalf of the Sugarloaf Citizens Assn. we are writing to endorse your consideration of introducing a line item in the Maryland Department of Transportation budget restoring service at the Boyds and Dickerson Marc stations. The decision by Md. DOT to close these stations is very shortsighted especially since Montgomery County picks up a large cost of operating the stations in the first place. The term penny wise and pound foolish really applies here especially given the cost of expanding the parking lot at Barnesville. Many thanks for your expression of opposition to this head in the sand decision. Jim Brown, President of Sugarloaf

From Robert J. Garagiola, Maryland State Senator -- January 30, 2006

Jim,

You'll be pleased to know that SB 366 was introduced by me to keep the stations open for at least another year and require the MTA to respond to several questions to the General Assembly by Dec. 31st for the next General Assembly to assess the issue.

I have spoken to the Senate President's office about this bill and they are helping me to fast track it. I have also obtained the support of the Senate Finance Committee Chairman Middleton to move the bill quickly; he's agreed to fast track the bill. He is also a cosponsor of the bill. In fact, 7 of the 11 Senators on the Committee, including a Republican member of the Committee.

I have provided a copy of the bill to Del. Cryor, who will soon be introducing it in the House.

Finally, I have further encouraged Sec. Flanagan to reconsider the closures.

Another Senate colleague indicated he heard that Sec. Flanagan may be reconsidering.

I'll make sure that my staff continues to keep you apprised as we move forward.

Rob

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