Cities should get their priorities straight

Easto · Post by **Easto** » Wed Feb 24, 2010 12:32 pm

I understand money is tight all around. Cities, counties and states are hurting. If that is the case then why do I see all these city projects going on that could surely wait? The other day I'm driving through a very small intersection that has not had a traffic signal for about 50 years. But now the city seems to think spending it's money and having one installed is a good idea? WTF!

Yes I understand that this money was probably appropriated years ago but still... WTF!

loop2kil · Post by **loop2kil** » Wed Feb 24, 2010 1:32 pm

I agree...there was a project out here where I live that made me scratch my head. They were widening the interstate waaaay out where I live. I think It had to do with the new Walmart but there was never any traffic when it was just 2 lanes going each way so making it 3 lanes was freaking useless and a waste of money.

CiscoKid · Post by **CiscoKid** » Wed Feb 24, 2010 10:21 pm

Dude, it's gubment! Since when has any Gubment action made sence?

Especially in Kallifornia...cut funding to schools then expect under performing schools to improve when you fire half the teachers and force the other half to buy ALL their own supplies and books needed for the year...meanwhile, the same district buys a new fleet of towncars to replace lastyears fleet that were driven less then 50K miles

TNATireFryer · Post by **TNATireFryer** » Wed Feb 24, 2010 10:22 pm

ok i like the progress - north /south freeway in spokane WA - incredibly cool - very cool -[not done yet but - in the works] itll take away 18 plus wheels rigs traveling the numerouse routes north and south in my city - here's my rant - i see city trucks /state trucks - with chrome wheels - and aftermarket tail light's - the everyday stock lights work great - why the upgrade? i see brand new city trucks - and brand new bright shiny bumpers /a freeking vice mounted /wire feed /via stick welders - bottles for torches and numerouse other neet things to look at but - i dont see progress with the neet aftermarket crap - - small weight cranes and lights mounted everywhere a welder/ a freeking water cooler [in the summer time]is acceptable
- yet i see no reason why the simple man cant progress under the stresses of society has to progress with updates that proceed the older just because it looks cool- or am i going over board - i dont work for the city but whoever is buying after market crap - WTF-

loop2kil · Post by **loop2kil** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 12:00 pm

speaking of a HUGE waste of money

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/02 ... latestnews

MissTynker2 · Post by **MissTynker2** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 2:35 pm

I am testing my memory here for sure, but it seems to me...that I recall...once funding has been granted for road improvements, and or traffic safety, that those funds cannot be allocated into any other projects...so it becomes a use them or lose them scenario, only for what they were approved for, with no variation, or change of local. If there is a wrong...that in my opinion is where it would be, to lock those funds into a set area only, when something else might indeed have a much more urgent priority.

Mad_Haggis · Post by **Mad_Haggis** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 2:23 am

Easto wrote:I understand money is tight all around. Cities, counties and states are hurting. If that is the case then why do I see all these city projects going on that could surely wait? The other day I'm driving through a very small intersection that has not had a traffic signal for about 50 years. But now the city seems to think spending it's money and having one installed is a good idea? WTF!

Yes I understand that this money was probably appropriated years ago but still... WTF!

Just passed a law in this "[(CITY)]" that I like.,

If you rip up a road that is not 3 years old, you pay a tax, GOOD.
Used 2 do tje cementy thing b4 the tree thing b4 the food thing.

Witnessed horrors!, horrors!

SlyOneDoofy · Post by **SlyOneDoofy** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 3:48 am

Being a Civil Planner there there is not enough space on SG to hold my rant.

That said...I'll keep it short. There is no motivation for any city employee to do any better than required by the job description. Meaning...if you don't make problems...you advance and get seniority which keeps your from being laid off in bad times.

The goal of a county/city is to put burden upon a developer. When you talk about walmart coming in they probably have paid a proportional share of the improvements required for that offsite improvement.

I know. I have paid it myself for development.

Just because county employees are doing the work doesn't mean that wasn't private money from development...and not tax dollars.

*rants*

In my county if parents divide their property to give it to the kids with the short plat process it will cost them a minimum of $20,000 in county fees.

I find that horrible.

Thanks...goodnight.

SlyOneDoofy · Post by **SlyOneDoofy** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 3:51 am

Mad_Haggis wrote:Just passed a law in this "[(CITY)]" that I like.,

If you rip up a road that is not 3 years old, you pay a tax, GOOD.
Used 2 do tje cementy thing b4 the tree thing b4 the food thing.

Witnessed horrors!, horrors!

If you rip up a road you replace it to "as good as it was or better condition*

you tax attitude is wrong.