Kempthorne's Freeway

[Ken Medlin <dev-plan@moscow.com>]

>increased road safety, with minimal 
>environmental impact, and minimal impact to the folks whose homes and
>farms will be invaded by the 'reallignment' of hwy 95.
These are probably the core criteria for judging the desirability of a 
4-lane expressway up to Moscow [and, in a few years' time, on to C d'Al] 
which could bring new and ugly forms of economic development to 
northcentral ID. But where do you go from there? The statutory and 
political positions were readied over a year ago, without inputs from the 
citizens most affected. There are data showing that we do NOT need four 
lanes, but more shoulders, passing lanes, and realignments. But what does 
DOT say about this approach? Nothing, because the $ deals were cut a long 
time ago. 
While it could be too late now, the only response to such govt'l 
decision-making is the class-action type of pursuit, with open meetings 
and petitions addressed to the legislature and governor.  Politicians pay 
attention to only one thing:  NUMBERS,which mean potential votes.  All 
the rest is pure eyewash. Who can predict how our own local legislators 
will vote on this, and why? Have you contacted them? What is their 
rationale?
    If you are truly serious about this, start organizing  your folks 
now; otherwise, you're wasting your good time with opinions and talk. The 
same phenomenon has locked in the l9l2 Bldg. project which is now beyond 
citizen control, sltho the movement began with citizen organization, but 
then slipped firmly into city hall control.   My observations are based 
on almost 50 years of community-development involvement. It's your call, 
folks. Thanks for listening.  

------------------------
William K. Medlin
Dev-plan associates
930 Kenneth Street
Moscow ID 83843
208/892-0148
dev-plan@moscow.com