We need to appreciate those who take their jobs seriously

It is really unfortunate that Mr. Golding is so unhappy here. Our contractors are slow and lazy and our gas is too expensive for his Hummer.

Let me try to help you through your malaise. Below ground level, there are many things you can't see until you dig. Most local infrastructure was installed prior to GIS technology, so the measurements and locations were taken from landmarks that may no longer exist. Roads have been widened over time, so many utilities, once in the ditch, are now under pavement.

Given this reality, speed is not the priority. The safety of citizens and workers must be placed above the catcalls of the peanut gallery.

Any time that you see new pavement, the utilities beneath it may have been upgraded. This means that multiple utilities have personnel on-site to protect their interests. Most projects require traffic safety plans and people are there for that.

Every project has an engineer and there is always project management. There could be a number of people onsite for inspection purposes and some are responsible for being sure the work is actually done before paying for it.

I hope this helps you, Mr. Golding. The last thing we need is an irrationally angry Hummer driver in a construction zone.

There should be no empathy for someone who drives a Hummer and complains about gas prices.

Perhaps we could all be a bit less self-absorbed and more self-aware, and even appreciative that people take their jobs seriously.

Be thankful for utility workers.

CALVIN OGLE

Sandpoint