Johnson, Sykes talk Ohio train wreck, small business support at Massillon chamber event

MASSILLON – Two members of Congress representing Stark County talked Friday about the post-East Palestine train derailment, supporting small businesses and working together.

Bill Johnson, a Republican from Marietta who represents Ohio's 6th District, and Emilia Sykes, a Democrat from Akron representing the 13th District, fielded a handful of questions at the annual Massillon WestStark Chamber of Commerce legislative breakfast.

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The one-hour event was held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles 190 on Weirich Avenue NW.

Bill Johnson and Emilia Sykes on working together

In a time when political party fighting seems commonplace, Sykes and Johnson acknowledged a productive working relationship so far in 2023, one both hope will continue.

"My job is to work with Emilia and get some common-sense things done," Johnson said. "You're going to see us working together."

Sykes said the decision to work with Johnson on issues of mutual interest is a "no-brainer."

"Bill and I have committed to do that," she said. "I don't have to be a firebrand, and I don't want to be a firebrand."

Rail safety in Ohio

Johnson mentioned that he and Sykes are working jointly on new rail safety regulations as they relate to the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern Railway derailment in East Palestine. Details on any formal legislation will come after the final National Transportation Safety Board report regarding the cause of the incident.

"This is something that cannot wait," said Sykes while appearing virtually at the chamber breakfast. "Trains are still moving every day. We owe it to people across the country to put some (teeth) in there. ...

"Once people's health is negatively impacted, it's hard to undo."

Nearly 90 people attended the Massillon chamber breakfast. It was moderated by Stark County Commissioner Richard Regula and Fred Horner, president and chief executive officer of Advanced Industrial Roofing in south Massillon.

Holding Norfolk Southern accountable for the train derailment is a main priority, Johnson told the chamber audience. Both he and Sykes said they agree on ensuring that residents of East Palestine continue to have clean air, water and soil.

"The state (of Ohio) EPA and the federal EPA have been and remain in charge and are monitoring (about) everything," Johnson said. "Testing of air and water around the scene will go on for a very long, long time."

Ohio reps pledge to boost small business, employees

Sykes told chamber breakfast attendees that she'll work hard in Washington, D.C., to support Ohio's small businesses and workforce.

"Small business is the backbone of our economy," she said. "I want to help work to simplify tax codes to benefit owners and employees."

Making tax-related provisions or benefits for small businesses permanent is the way to go, Johnson said.

"Sixty percent of jobs in the U.S. are small business," he said. "There's nothing more problematic that tax uncertainty."

Johnson's 6th District includes part of Massillon and areas of southern and eastern Stark County like Brewster, Navarre, Louisville and Alliance, as well as southeast Ohio cities New Philadelphia, Steubenville, St. Clairsville and Marietta.

Sykes' 13th District spans Canton, Canal Fulton and part of Massillon, as well as northeast Ohio cities such as Green, Akron, Barberton, Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson and Twinsburg.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon WestStark Chamber of Commerce legislative breakfast