Tallahassee Democrat
December 21, 2002
Letters to the editor
The All-America city – our Tallahassee – had to be sued in federal court to provide basic civil rights and safety for our most vulnerable citizens, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Ensuring the public right of way for all citizens is a fundamental responsibility of local government. Knowingly maintaining hazardous intersections at both hospitals, downtown and Lake Ella is merely negligent leadership. Adding additional insult to injury, the city paid a Miami-based consulting firm $150,000 to identify and quantify the severity of the problem.
Perhaps it was too easy to contract with the local not-for-profit organization such as the Center for Independent Living, which possesses both the professional and personal perspective to do the job well. Perhaps it was easier to send our tax dollars out of town and not involve our citizens who are most affected by the unsafe and dangerous conditions. It was easier to have our neighbors sue the city to obtain a solution instead of being involved in in the solution.
We are the capital city of Florida and can lead by example by meeting basic civil rights and not putting our citizens in harm’s way.
J.R. HARDING
Candidate, City Commission Seat 3