Candidate Berger talks high-speed rail

LIMA - At the end of the hour, Mayor David Berger reminded his audience of the obvious.

"I don't know if you know, but I'm running for mayor," Berger told a group of Allen County Democrats on Thursday.

The comment and a tie with the Berger for Mayor logo were the only indications of a candidate. The rest of his talk was largely about what he talks about many times, high-speed rail.

Berger told the crowd to write or call U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Lima, to express that they support its construction and would use it.

Jordan has previously opposed bills that included spending for environmental studies for the rail lines that would run through the 4th Congressional District, Berger said. Those votes will place the Pittsburgh-Columbus-Fort Wayne-Chicago line on "a back burner," Berger said.

"We need his support," he said. "This is not a partisan issue. He needs to hear from folks. We're asking him to be a champion and we won't take no for an answer."

Berger likened the rail lines to other transportation systems that are also taxpayer supported, including the federal highway system and airports such as Chicago's O'Hare. Berger is facilitating conversations between the Ohio Freight Rail Association, which supports the rail plan, and Jordan.