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EAST PALESTINE -- As new information about the handling of the 2023 train derailment makes its way through the political landscape the Village of East Palestine will remain committed to its residents.
A recent report from NewsNation captured the attention of Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who derided the alleged actions of class-action attorneys.
According to the report, the attorneys took more in fees for themselves and gave less than what was advertised to affected residents as part of the $600 million Norfolk Southern settlement.
"Worse, new reporting now suggests the class-action attorneys withheld their own expert's report from their clients, even though it showed high levels of carcinogens in East Palestine that residents had a right to know about before waiving their rights to further damages," Ramaswamy was quoted as saying in a NewsNation article published last week.
Vivek, who was reportedly upset over the situation, has said he would make a visit to East Palestine.
East Palestine Village Manager Antonio Diaz-Guy said the village has reached out to Ramaswamy's office but as of this week has not heard back yet.
"We welcome any local, state, or federal leader who comes to East Palestine with sincere intentions and a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of our residents. We simply ask that our community not be used as a political prop or reduced to distorted and sensational headlines. Our people have been through enough, and they deserve respect, they deserve facts, and most of all, responsible leadership -- not unnecessary fear or division," Diaz-Guy said.
Diaz-Guy did not wish to comment on the class-action attorney matter, or the alleged withholding of expert's reports regarding soil samples.
An email from this reporter to Ramaswamy's press contact on Thursday was not immediately returned.