<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto">Courtesy of today’s (February 17, 2018) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with thanks to Judy Sobeloff.<div><br></div><div>——————————————-</div><div><br></div><div><div><h1 itemprop="headline" class="headline" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 42px; margin: 0px 100px 0px 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.1; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Public comment needed on bridge</span></h1></div><div><br></div><div>Last week's front-page article ("Council OKs Plan C for traffic calming," Feb. 7) about the Moscow City Council's unanimous decision to approve traffic calming measures on Third Street in conjunction with the planned multimodal bridge gave me hope that the democratic process can function as it is supposed to, and that local residents can indeed have input into the decisions of local government.</div><div><br></div><div>The article states, "Given strong opposition to the multimodal bridge by some, newly elected councilwomen Brandy Sullivan and Anne Zabala suggested further discussing the construction of a significantly cheaper pedestrian and bicycle bridge before settling on the multimodal bridge."</div><div><br></div><div>The article then says, "Mayor Bill Lambert responded by saying the multimodal bridge is budgeted for this year and is moving forward. 'One thing I do know is change is very uncomfortable for most people, and we've seen this through this entire process,' Lambert said.' "</div><div><br></div><div>The general tendency of people to resist change may or may not be true, but what is certainly true - and should be applauded - is Lambert's observation that we've seen resistance through this entire process. Local residents have spoken up in what seems to be an overwhelming majority to oppose a change that seems expensive, unnecessary and destined to decrease the livability and safety of our community.</div><div><br></div><div>As I understand the situation, funding for the multimodal bridge was inserted into the city's budget last summer without opportunity for public comment. This should never have happened, and the unanimous approval of traffic calming measures is an excellent step in addressing concerns. The multimodal bridge is not a done deal, however, and it seems time for the mayor and the City Council to open the decision to public comment.</div><div><br></div><div>Judy Sobeloff</div><div>Moscow</div></div><div><br></div><div>——————————————-<br><br><div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)</span></div><div><a href="http://www.moscowcares.com/" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">http://www.MoscowCares.com</font></a></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tom Hansen</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Moscow, Idaho</span></div></div><div> </div></div></div></body></html>