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Re: 'Albanese should speak up: former MPP,' Letter, Aug. 8.

Since my candidacy in the York South-Weston byelection, I have continuously expressed my views and concerns regarding the air-rail link to residents, to the government and to the media, including this news publication.

More recently I have shared my views through my community newsletter, distributed to 40,000 households in York South-Weston, as well as in discussions and written responses to residents and local community groups, including the Weston Community Coalition.

My position on the air-rail link has been expressed in the Ontario Legislature more than once, and I made it an integral part of my inaugural speech.

I have stated it in meetings with the Ontario Ministries of Transportation and Environment, the chairperson of Metrolinx and representatives of the Greater Toronto Airport Authority.

I have also been quoted on this issue several times in newspapers, on radio and in television interviews.

My message to all has been the same:

- There can be no high-speed train running non-stop through Weston.

- Any such service should include a stop in Weston, which would have the impact of reducing speed.

- I do not support road closures and, while keeping in mind environmental and safety issues, street closures should be kept to an absolute minimum, if at all.

- Weston must benefit from any economic development opportunities that would arise with additional transit service.

- Safety, noise and pollution concerns must be addressed.

The original Blue 22 proposition was flawed. I am encouraged that the community message is getting through, based on a statement made public in June 2007 by the Ministry of Transportation, indicating that the province's preference is for a train that is not high speed, with a stop in the community. This information was also expressed, in writing, to the WCC and to the MPP at the time.

As an MPP, I welcome input from all local residents and remain open to a variety of opinions. I will continue to seek and to value local input from a variety of perspectives, as is my duty as an elected official.

Laura Albanese

MPP York South-Weston