To the editor:

A recent op-ed by Steve Stivers in support of the proposed Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) deal captures what’s truly at stake for Ohio’s economic future.

As a former councilman in Wellsville, I’ve seen firsthand how strong infrastructure fuels the success of small towns and the industries that sustain them. This merger is a once-in-a-generation opportunity Ohio can’t afford to miss.

For communities like ours in Columbiana County, railroads are more than just tracks and trains — they’re economic lifelines powering local manufacturing, agriculture, and commerce. By creating a seamless network that connects international interchanges and all major ports, this merger would equip Ohio businesses to compete globally. Faster transit times, lower costs, and more reliable service mean our local manufacturers and farmers can reach markets once far beyond their grasp.

Equally important, the merger promises to safeguard and strengthen union jobs. Rail workers have long been among the best compensated in the nation, with strong benefits and retirement security. The commitment from both UP and NS to protect these positions — and the endorsement from the nation’s largest rail union — offers Ohioans confidence that this deal will help build a stronger, more resilient workforce.

Some worry about reduced competition, but the reality is that railroads already face tough competition from trucking, maritime shipping and air freight. A more efficient rail system won’t weaken competition — it will intensify it, driving innovation and performance across every mode of transportation.

This merger embodies the kind of forward-looking investment Ohio needs now. It upholds free-market principles, enabling efficiencies and channeling resources into infrastructure upgrades and technological progress. For Wellsville and towns across our state, it means new opportunities, stronger supply chains, and a brighter economic future.

Regulators and lawmakers should seize the moment, and recognize the transformative potential of this merger. If approved, it will position Ohio not just to grow — but to lead — in the national and global economy.

John R Morrow,

Former Wellsville Councilman, Liverpool Township