Recent News from the Chair

Well, this month (August) we have the old good news / bad news scenario:

GOOD NEWS: More and more people are aware of our concerns, and the tour we gave to Barry Rolle of HDR was very well received. State Representative Tom Sloan testified to the Governor's transportation committee, stating our views and those of Douglas County residents affected by the proposed Hwy. 59 route from Lawrence to Ottawa. Sloan suggested making improvements on existing right of ways, rather than taking new land to build more roads. We are planning to attend several of these sessions to testify as well. We have found some support for our position in Leavenworth County and are helping them organize their efforts. We are pleased to welcome Ginger Hoffhines and Harold Clark of Tonganoxie to our fold. All of you are doing a great job getting the word out and participating in the HDR public meetings. We had a great turnout at both DeSoto and Perry.

BAD NEWS: Our Jefferson County commissioners are still not listening to us. They are telling the folks from Leavenworth County that they are in favor of the proposed road, and are also telling the Governor's Transportation Task Force that they are so in favor, and are apparently preparing to testify to that effect at one of the upcoming public meetings. We will be polling all candidates before the election, and will report to you about their positions, but personal phone calls from you will be more effective. Also the Leavenworth County commission has listed this road realignment as one of their top 5 priorities.