To the editor:

It has almost been a full year since the February 2023 train accident in East Palestine. While I have sympathy for the residents and businesses located close to the accident, I firmly believe that the vast majority of residents have recovered, at least in the short term, and have resumed living their lives as they did before February 2023. People went back to work, children went back to school, family and friends continue to meet. Life goes on. Most people want to go forward, and not dwell on a past that we cannot change. The people who were negatively impacted have lawsuits and may eventually receive compensation.

I am far from being a fan of Norfolk Southern. I suspect that the accident could have been prevented but I am willing to await the final report of the NTSB before I reach any conclusions. I deeply resent the fact that NS re-opened the tracks almost immediately after the evacuation order ended and before they even started the cleanup. This was an insult to everyone in town. I do not know if it was the right decision to blow up the vinyl chloride tankers. I am certainly glad that I did not have to make that call. As a person who is used to making calls, I know that in times of crisis you trust your instincts, life experiences, judgment, and the best information you have available at that moment, knowing full well that everyone will second guess your decision.

A small group of very vocal residents have consistently called everyone who disagrees with them liars, cheaters, and bribe takers. The media, unfortunately, flock to anyone who is willing to tell a negative tale. The media has no interest in broadcasting what is essentially a non-sensational story. There are two tales, and thus far only one tale is being told.

This small group has absolutely no evidence that Village officials, County officials, State officials or Federal officials have done anything other than try to make the best out of a bad situation. Those of us who have remained silent are presumed to be in cahoots with all the corrupt government officials. Nothing could be further from the truth. Silence should not be equated with corruption.

I believe that Norfolk Southern needs to finish the cleanup as soon as possible. I also believe that we must continue to monitor the potential long-term health effects, both physical and mental. No one knows when, or if, train related issues will manifest themselves in the future.

It cannot be disputed that East Palestine has been in a state of decline since the 1970’s. Some folks want to use the train accident as a reason to bury the town. I do not believe that East Palestine is Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, Love Canal, or the worst environmental disaster ever. The train accident was certainly tragic but was not a fatal blow. We need to view the accident as an opportunity to literally rise from the ashes.

I am very thankful that no one was immediately killed, and I am likewise thankful for all the first responders and everyone who took a leadership role in dealing with a bad situation that no one wanted.

J Bradley Allison,

East Palestine