Editor’s note: Columnist James E. Causey received a number of messages following his column on Milwaukee’s bumper crop of spring potholes, “Milwaukee pothole was so deep it made my butt cheeks clench.” Here is a sampling:
I look forward to your articles weekly. Keep up the good work. I, of course, agree with the pothole problem, but to be fair, we were advised that it would be less expensive for drivers to pay an increased tax on gasoline. So now we suffer. Our elected officials feel it would be political suicide to vote for an increase in road taxes. We need our politicians to be smarter than the average constituent & make the hard choices when it is for our own good. Cost analysis has shown that higher road taxes & less potholes are the more efficient solution. Nothing is free. ― David
We have John Norquist to thank for potholes, as he changed the street maintenance schedule to reduce taxes. ― John
I enjoyed reading your ‘Pothole Life’ article in today’s Journal Sentinel. I hope Mayor Johnson enjoyed it as well as you were spot on with regards to the dangers of all the potholes throughout the city of Milwaukee. Like yourself it becomes almost as much danger just to avoid the potholes. Sorry to read you have been a victim like so many others. We have lived on the northwest side of Milwaukee for over 40 years. There are potholes on Villard, Hampton, Grantosa Avenue just to name a few streets. I too, as I’m sure thousands of other residents would support paying Milwaukee Public Works all the necessary overtime to resolve this serious matter. Thank you again for bringing this to the attention of all those that had the opportunity to see your article. As a sidenote, I always enjoy your Sunday posts. ― Larry
Good article, James. In the Jackson Park neighborhood, the same potholes reappear each year. Part of the problem is the way the city crews repair them. Instead of vacuuming all the loose material they simply toss fresh asphalt into the hole and tap it down. This causes problems with the asphalt adherence. And the hole eventually starts opening up again. ― Stephen
Wow! $800 is brutal. Why don’t you move to Waukesha? Our roads are in much better shape. Plus, wild drivers are very rare. For a noon hour break, you could join us old timers at the Y for a workout. We skew conservative but would enjoy your friendship anyhow. ― Earl
A letter to Alderman Brower calls potholes a real ‘bummer’
Dear Alderman Brower: I do not have the proof to file a claim with the city, but just FYI my car is in the shop now as I type this and I am convinced that the reason I am having to have the “sway bar” repair done now is because of repeated and sometimes extreme jarring of the 2009 vehicle suffered due to potholes in Milwaukee.
I “Googled” just now and belatedly read Mr. Causey’s opinion from earlier this month. Thank you Mr. Causey for speaking up for us. I love Milwaukee for so many reasons. Unfortunately, the city streets in Milwaukee this spring have been what we old boomers might call a real “bummer.” ― Mary
Tips for getting your letter to the editor published
Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state:
Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@jrn.com or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukeeans agree. We have a big pothole problem. | Letters
Reporting by Letters to the Editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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