Where's Wheeler? [VIDEO]

The to kill a feasibility study on regional rail did not go over well with Nashua's Board of Aldermen.

Among the three Executive Councilors voting down the measure to move forward was David Wheeler, representing Nashua as part of District 5.

That vote prompted Nashua Board of Alderman President Brian McCarthy to pen a letter to Wheeler the very next day, inviting him to stop by the March 13 Aldermanic meeting to explain to the board – and residents of Nashua – his rationale for rejecting the rail study, and what his vision for the future economic growth of New Hampshire is, without rail. (See pdf of letter with this story).

Wheeler has been a vocal opponent of regional rail. However, his constituents in Nashua would have liked to have his ear on this one. (Watch the video clip uploaded with this story to hear what Wheeler had to say on the matter at the March 7 Executive Council meeting.)

But Wheeler was MIA during a March 5 meeting held two days prior to the Executive Council vote in Nashua, by NH Department of Transportation, to discuss interest in the Capital Corridor, which would have extended rail into the state as far north as Concord.

Wheeler has yet to respond to McCarthy's invitation.

Alderman Diane Sheehan also mentioned during the March 13 Alderman's meeting that she'd not heard back from Wheeler, despite leaving messages and sending email.

During the meeting Alderman Jim Donchess commended McCarthy for reaching out to Wheeler.

"Where is Councilor Wheeler? We are the largest city in his district. The city, through its government and delegation, have spoken clearly on this study; yet Wheeler cast the deciding vote against the study," Donchess said.

Alderman Barbara Pressly said she was equally frustrated over the lack of support from Concord on the long-running issue of rail – one that Mayor Donnalee Lozeau has been championing.

"I'm disappointed, but not surprised at Mr. Wheeler's vote. Next time we have an election, let's get a clear idea of what the candidates stand for, and not just on the rail issues, but as a city. Let's put out a group of questions to all the candidates, to make sure the people we elected will stand for and fight for what we believe in," Pressly said.

Lozeau has said that she would like to pursue the funding to move forward with the study that might at least bring rail into Tyngsboro/Nashua.