Thank you for having me!

[Wolfgang Schwartzenweintraub <wolfman@turbonet.com>]

My views are not specially founded in any political or religious realm.
I have built about 2,000 mile of highways and streets as an Operating
Engineer.  This was through my membership in  local #3 at  Oakland,
California.  I have seen what indecision and  procrastination by well
meaning people have done to communities. Delays of two to five years and
when the project is finally done the price doubles.  I grew up on a farm
in Independence, Oregon.  It was, at one time the largest hop farm in
the United States.  I am a farm boy who at times hated progress (so they
call building a highway progress.)  I feel that the improper planning of
each and every mile of highway 95 in Idaho will be a major travesty if
allowed to happen. I also think that every citizen in Idaho should be
given a voice in what is said and done about this matter.  Who ever
oversees this project will need to be very watchful.  I do not want to
leave the impression with anyone who reads this note that I think I have
all the answers.  I don't!  I know some things very well and I know that
it is time to consider major possibilities for the State and its
connection with the outside world. I know that we cannot continue the
wanton slaying of our citizens on this highway.   I suppose there are
other highways in the United States that are as bad or worse.  This
Haynesville Road up in Maine comes to mind.  There is a cross on every
corner there.  I am presently a graduate student here at the University
of Idaho.  I very well may be in a position to accomplish my Ph.D
studies here as well.  My effort will be to model a highway that
connects Canada with cities south of the Idaho border.  The same uproar
occurred about the use of farm land when they constructed the I-5
straight through the Willamette Valley of  Oregon fifty years ago.
Today nobody thinks twice about it.  It doesn't cause the visitation of
more people it helps people pass through easier.  I-5 helped return
small communities to their sleepy little selves. Before they were over
run with commerce moving through at all hours of the day and night.
There charm and character were disturbed by heavy trucking and extra
vehicular activities.  I want those who read this to begin to think,
whether you agree with me or not, but, think along the "z" axis.  That
is a dimension that must be considered when we talk about highway 95's
improvement in Idaho.  Up and out of mind and sight or down under and
out of mind and sight.  With all due respect;

Wolfgang M. Schwartzenweintraub