Source: USAToday.com
When word spread that residents affected by a massive train derailment could voice concerns and frustrations directly to transport company Norfolk Southern Wednesday evening, the village showed up by the hundreds.
East Palestine High School was more packed than one resident had ever seen. More than any significant basketball game. More than any pep rally.
But immediately before the event, Mayor Trent Conaway told reporters that his residents wouldn’t get an opportunity to question the rail company involved in the Feb. 3 incident. The mayor told his residents that Norfolk Southern backed out of the open house meeting, escalating tensions in the already packed and loud school gym.
“I want answers,” Conaway said before an hours-long informational meeting originally billed as a town hall began. “Norfolk Southern didn’t show up. They didn’t feel it was safe.”…