“It’s going to be about the 12 toughest decisions I had to make. I’m going to put people in my place, so when the history of this administration is written at least there’s an authoritarian voice saying exactly what happened.”
– Former President George W. Bush, discussing the book he is going to write
Indeed.
The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, in developing a key transportation plan, failed to consider key demographic data, overstated the amount of money invested in transit and misrepresented highway funding, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.
More here.
It’s hard not to notice, especially if one is riding a bicycle right next to one of them, the increasing number of drivers who park their vehicles and then fling open their car doors into traffic without so much as a glance.
There are enough hazards on the road, and huge potholes make the roads themselves hazards, without adding in one more incivility from idiotic drivers. Isn’t their lust for rudeness sated by not paying attention to their own driving when they are on their cell phones? Isn’t that enough?!
Help may be on the way. State legislators, including Milwaukee Dems Josh Zepnick and Annette P. Williams, have introduced a bill that would make flagrant flinging on highways illegal and punishable by fines of $20 to $100.
Specifically, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the bill “prohibits any person from opening any door of a motor vehicle located on a highway without first taking due precaution to ensure that his or her act will not interfere with the movement of traffic or endanger any other person or vehicle.”
Those folks looking at the ground aren’t searching for the first blooms of the season. They’re staring in disbelief at their sidewalk slabs and trying to figure out why the city is worried about cracked sidewalk slabs when the neighborhood streets are falling apart. South-of-Bluemound residents got notices last week that some or all of the sidewalks in front of their houses need replacing and the city will charge them for the service. Lots of folks are very unhappy. Note to Ald. Michael Murphy and the Department of Public Works: expect more calls.
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Speaking of crappy roads — Ellen P. is circulating for a petition seeking the long-overdue repair of Gen. Mitchell Blvd. where it poses a threat to safety. The city filled pothole craters a month or two ago (even though it is a county responsibility) but those patches are coming out. Somebody is going to get hurt on this road and county officials are well aware of the hazard. It’s simply inexcuseable.
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The Story Hill Neighborhood Association is sponsoring a local Pitch, Hit and Run competition at 9 a.m. May 16th at Mitchell Blvd Park (5115 W. Bluemound Rd.). The event is open to girls and boys from age 7 to 14. It is completely free of charge. Winners advance to sectional competitions, then team championships at Miller Park and finally to the national finals in St. Louis. The finals will be held during the 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
Please contact Pete Schmidt (check your neighborhood directory) with any questions or concerns.
More information about the competition is here.