Someone claims we must direct hundreds of millions of dollars as down payment into an endeavor because a group of people “deserve [it].” Is that claim unassailable, or do we avoid debate because difficult issues lie just below the surface?

We will be asked to spend billions on new roads and transit – including many projects that are arguably unnecessary, ill-conceived, or both. Are we unable to engage complex challenges, or are we more concerned with rehashing how bicyclists observe four-way stops?

Seriously and sincerely, it’d be a good thing to have some of Decatur’s cyclists bring up the defective sensors to the City and ask for their assistance in getting the County to repair them. It’s in everyone’s best interest to get the problem solved now, not later. (Even if you don’t give a flip about cyclists- shame on you!- the County’s responsible for Decatur’s traffic ops. If the City decides to assume responsibility down the road, we’ll foot the entire bill. May as well really get our money’s worth from the County.)

DM’s already emailed the County about theproblem, but it seems like cyclists should pitch in on the project too. Tonight’s City Commission Meeting would be a good opportunity. There’s already a biking agenda item, so the timing’s perfect. There’s a Requests and Petitions time where citizens can address the board– no fancy presentations necessary. You just simply make your request.