Fear mongering (or scaremongering) is the use of fear to influence the opinions and actions of others towards some specific end. The feared object or subject is sometimes exaggerated, and the pattern of fear mongering is usually one of repetition, in order to continuously reinforce the intended effects of this tactic, sometimes in the form of a vicious circle.[In the July 14th edition of The Westfield Leader newspaper, reporter Lauren Barr reports that Mayor Skibitsky stated, "if the light were moved to the corner it would have to be a full traffic light that would shine into homes all day and into more than one home." This is not true. Go to the following link to view Traffic Warrant analysis that clearly states in the Conclusion on the third page of the report that a "Pedestrian Signal" is warranted for the intersection of Central Ave. & Clover St. http://07090.blogspot.com/2011/03/hot-topic-central-ave-pedestrian.html
The Mayor is engaging in fear mongering. He knows that some residents do not want a full traffic light at the corner due to the potential threat of "cut-through" traffic down side streets to avoid a traffic signal. What the Mayor fails to admit is that the "HAWK" pedestrian light currently under protest due to it's current location was initially warranted at the intersection of Central Ave. & Clover St.. The use of a Pedestrian Activated light, instead of a conventional traffic light, is to provide pedestrian safety while cutting down the wait time typically experienced by motorists at intersections controlled by a full traffic signal. In fact, the fact of the matter is, the Traffic Warrant Analysis done by Union County's consulting engineering experts, Louis Berger Group, concluded that a Pedestrian Activated light could be installed at the corner.The city of Tucson, Arizona, where the HAWK Pedestrian Light was introduced, 60 intersections have had the HAWK system installed with a compliance rate of 97% of drivers yielding to pedestrians.
The fact of the matter is if the Hawk light had been placed at the intersection where it belongs than the mayor would have four times as many residents complaining about it because than four homes would be affected by the light. The truth always comes out sooner or later and the mayor put his foot in his mouth this past Tuesday night at the council meeting when he plainly said I'm not going to move the light so that four other homes will be affected. Truth be told. This location was never about the least points of conflict for pedestrians and motorists. It was always about the least points of conflict for the mayor. When are the residents of this town going to wake up? Mayor Skibitsky clearly stuck it to Mrs. Enculescu to play to his base and give them their entitled way to cross Central at the expense and general well being of a thirty year resident who is seventy-two years old. What a creep! I cross Central all the time at this location and trust me, no way does this town need this ridiculous light in this woman's front yard straddling her driveway. Safety! Give me a break! No one cares about the safety of Mrs. Enculescu, do they. Hey, I've got a really brilliant suggestion. How about the parents teach their children how to cross a street safely. Oh, that's right it's the governments job to get us across the street safely. What a pathetic bunch of nanny state losers we've become. Here's another brilliant idea, how about the town employs an effective crossing guard at the original location of Clover and Central during the school year. The currently employed guard is totally ineffective even with the aid of the Hawk light. She was crossing children on April 25th when the car accident at this location occurred. This entire debate and on going objections to this light and it's location have all been brought upon the residents of this Central Avenue corridor because of the underhanded way in which the project was developed and handled. The mayor and town council have no one to blame but themselves. This will not end until they do what the rest of the world knows is the right thing to do. If the mayor and council need any advice on the matter just ask anyone in town.
ReplyDeleteNobody else in town cares about the light. Stop beating your head against the wall. The mayor is doing a good job as far as I am concerned.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know you are following this blog Mayor.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't attend the council meetings watch them on channel 36 and you will see the true mayor. He is arrogant and self absorbbed. He forgets that he was elected by us and therefore works for us. He only listens to himself.
ReplyDeleteMayor you are embarrassing yourself.
ReplyDelete