Good government requires patience, diligence and a willingness to ask tough questions, even when the process feels slow or inefficient. During my years serving Monroe County, PA, I saw firsthand how careful review and thoughtful decision-making lead to better outcomes for communities.

The merger application submitted by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern needs careful scrutiny. If it’s approved, it would be a massive consolidation of power. Naturally, the first question people should have is what the impact will be on competition.

Major rail mergers are not routine transactions. They affect local economies, supply chains, land use and job availability in communities across Pennsylvania and the nation. If Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern intend to merge, competition must be strengthened, not weakened. Reduced competition could have detrimental consequences, chief among them higher costs across the board.  

As someone who now serves on a township zoning hearing board, I understand how federal decisions can ripple down to the local level. The Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) job is to protect the public interest, so careful handling of this early stage is imperative. 

Our state’s past, present and future are tied to America’s rail industry. The STB should not rush to judgment simply for the sake of moving things along. The STB needs to take a measured and responsible approach and make sure a merger of this magnitude boosts competition. I hope our federal leaders will continue to support the STB in holding this application to the highest possible standards. 

Josephine Ferro
Middle Smithfield Township, PA