The Capitolist: CARE FL Releases 2018 Candidate Report Card on Rail Expansion

By: Sunshine State News

A group vehemently opposed to Florida’s cross-state rail expansion from Orlando to Miami graded state lawmakers on their position to All Aboard Florida/Brightline in a report released this week.

Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida (CARE FL), a group opposing AAF/Brightline, ranked local, state and federal lawmakers and political candidates on their positions on the  $1.5 billion project to run from Orlando to Miami with various stops in between -- though none in Treasure Coast counties the rail project will affect most, Martin, St. Lucie or Indian River.

CARE FL calls the AAF/Brightline a threat to public safety and "the current way of life of communities throughout the Treasure Coast."

The group sent the survey to candidates seeking federal, state and local seats in the region to determine where they stand on rail expansion in Florida.

Of note is that of the 36 candidates who responded to the survey, eight were recognized as “Champions” while 22 received A’s, five received B’s and one candidate received a C. To view the report card, please click here.

“We are pleased so many incumbents and candidates are finally echoing the public safety concerns that have been expressed by so many members in our communities,” said Brent Hanlon, chairman of the CARE FL Steering Committee. “This is more than a regional issue, and there should be nothing more important than the safety of Florida’s residents, and visitors alike. We applaud the elected officials who have steadfastly stood with us -- and for that, they are recognized in this report card as Champions.”

CARE FL recognized candidates who through their past actions, while in office, have demonstrated a commitment to protecting the safety and way of life for families living in the affected regions as “Champions.”

Candidates recognized as Champions in 2018 include…