The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, AZ 8/26:
Arizona regulator wants higher fines for railroad safety violations
Regulator Tom Forese is suggesting higher fines for railroads that violate safety rules and said he is frustrated by the railroads because elected officials say they are afraid to challenge the rail companies.
He said that some city officials would like new crossings, but the railroads often either balk at the suggestions or agree to them only if they can remove crossing elsewhere.
"They are afraid of retaliation," said Forese, one of five members of the Arizona Corporation Commission, which regulates rail crossings. "They are afraid of where they will park their trains or get even with them."
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