'Local muscle' needed to fix real traffic issues

The rationale for the bypass rests upon one main issue with which I agree, getting the long-haul trucks out of town. We are told by ITD that the tax revenue generated by these trucks is essential to Idaho and our roads. I say "horse manure." ITD can't even repaint the stripes north of town to accommodate current traffic flow issues.

Look at the Dover Bridge; the bridge at the intersection of 95 and 200; the bridge leading into Hope; and, the bridge into Clark Fork and please tell me where our tax dollars are being spent. The answer is obviously not here. We need to make certain that our roads work for local businesses. We need someone to say that since we are not the beneficiaries of the tax funds, that long-haul trucks are no longer allowed through our town.

Our mayor should not go along with the ITD rationale for the bypass. The mayor should be instructing our police department to ticket those trucks that are speeding; using two lanes for turning corners; and, violating air and cleanliness standards because we are close to the end of the line for slaughterhouse animals. Let's apply some local muscle to deal with the real root cause of the bypass issue and then sit down with our regional neighbors to address transportation needs.

BARNEY BALLARD

Sandpoint