To The Editor:

For over 20 years I have been an advocate for commuters on Metro-North, first on the CT Metro-North Rail Commuter Council and more recently in a new, independent organization, The Commuter Action Group.

Recognizing that the future of this vital public service depends on bipartisan cooperation, I have called for all candidates running for elected office this fall to take a simple pledge: that they will caucus together, Democrat and Republican, in support of improved rail service for the state.

As an unaffiliated, independent voter I can now voice my support for those candidates whose track record clearly demonstrates their support for better rail service in our state.

No candidate has done more to help commuters than Tony Hwang.

As both a state representative and, more recently, a state senator, he fought efforts to raid the Special Transportation Fund. He has supported increased spending to keep our trains safe and on time. And he was instrumental in fighting Governor Malloy's attempt to muzzle the Metro-North Commuter Council, achieving unprecedented bipartisan support for a bill to keep the council independent.

So it is without hesitation that I endorse Tony Hwang for the State Senate and I encourage commuters to support his candidacy, too.

Jim Cameron, founder Commuter Action Group

DuBois Street, Darien         October 17, 2016