To the editor:
Why has Athens suddenly become so obsessed with roundabouts? There are times when a person can sit at a roundabout for an extended time, just like sitting at a traffic light. Roundabouts can create further confusion for many who are not aware of how traffic flows through one. Why are we not looking at the patterns of traffic lights, changing light timing or other modifications over roundabouts?
Roundabout construction causes delays with construction. It also causes the city to spend money that could be used to repair the current street conditions, upkeep, reinforce areas, and work on drainage to reduce landslides where needed.
The City of Athens is already working on placing a tax increase on the ballot. Why are we not looking to budget better to address the current needs of the city, versus raising taxes on everyone else who may already be struggling in today’s society?
Why are governmental agencies always threatening to lay off police and firefighters, when these are the departments that are addressing daily needs for the community?
It appears that the city officials may want to take a step back and see if they can make modifications within the current budget, as many of us are hoping that this increase is voted down. I Live outside of the city limits and would be forced to pay the increase only due to working within the city limits.
Many others have had to do the same. Today’s inflation has made many have to resort to cutting their budgets and such as well.
Amber Deardorff
Athens, Ohio
