Letter: City council needs to start listening to constituents

To the Editor,

I am a 30-year-old young professional and an avid biker who exercises five days a week.

In the two years that I’ve lived in Stevens Point, it seems wherever I go—whether it’s the gym, grocery store, gas station or even going to the dog park—this “road diet” on Stanley Street has been a highly discussed and controversial topic.

For the record, I am an independent party, and don’t believe in either Republican or Democratic parties. I believe in what is in the best interest of the citizens.

The reason for bringing that to light is because I read a Facebook comment from Alder Shorr (District 2) where the last presidential election was brought up, and frankly, that is completely irrelevant in regards to the Stanley Street discussion. No matter how many times you hear “nonpartisan,” choices and votes are in fact determined by loyalty to your political party, which should be eradicated. I experienced it firsthand right here in Stevens Point.

I have attended multiple meetings regarding Stanley Street and most people have spoken against it, yet for some reason this is something that is continuing to be fought for and put into action. It is very clear that certain officials are not looking out for the best interest of the constituents they represent, or our city’s budget; but instead are using their power to promote their egocentric agendas.

I am not complaining or being noisy; I am simply being truthful. Again, as an avid biker I do not need these bike lanes to feel safe or equal, or to dictate my choice on if I decide to go biking to begin with. In fact, I embrace that bicyclists have the same rights as motorists, and that we get to use as much of the roads as motorists; and think that the people pushing for these bike lanes do the same.

The reality is that these bike lanes will be nothing more than an inconvenience. The ratio of bicyclists vs motorists on Stanley is clearly very uneven. You have a number of individuals who use Stanley as a lifeline to get to and from work or school every single day. If you implement those bike lanes, it will take people longer to get to and from those places, and they will perhaps start using the side streets, which will then create larger traffic flow on those quieter roads, thus inconveniencing those residents.

Living on Stanley Street now is no picnic when it comes to getting in and out of a driveway, and that will only become more difficult to do.

One key factor to keep in mind is, if these bike lanes are actually implemented half of Stanley will be completely useless six months out of the year with winter. Sounds like a major waste of a main road, not to mention a punishment and inconvenience to accommodate a few selfish individuals.

I recently read David Shorr’s open letter about a comparison regarding baseball fields and I must say this man’s argument is absolutely preposterous. While he is right that baseball fields are only used 6 months out of the year with winter they also bring in revenue during the summer months. Hotels, restaurants, gas stations and school booster clubs are all benefiting. Exactly what revenue would these bike lanes bring to our city?

I think it is time some of these city alders start listening to their constituents or I certainly have no problems packing my bags and moving. I do not think Stevens Point can really afford to lose the 30-something-year-old young professional audience.

We want to be heard, we want to be supported, we want to know our city is in good hands and that our budget it being spent wisely. I do not get that feeling at all. Instead, at the last meeting regarding Stanley Street an alder by the name of Tori Jennings seemed to intentionally disregard constituents’ concerns on the matter.

Bike lanes on a Stanley Street is a not wise choice of money spent and is just a silly idea. Our current roads are need of upkeep and that is a far better use of city budget.

I publicly challenge David Shorr, Tori Jennings—or anyone, for that matter—to show me and guarantee me that bike lanes will work with certainty.

Dan St. Peter
District 8 Resident