Letter to the editor

A short while ago, I sent a letter to our Mayor, Mrs. Fix, stating my concerns about the Town of Ekalaka’s proposal to remove pavement from Mormon Avenue and replace it with gravel. To date, I have received no response from her. At the same time, I submitted that same letter to the Ekalaka Eagle as a letter to the editor. From that editorial, I have gotten an overwhelming response in favor of repairing the pavement from people all over town and from some county residents also. Mormon Avenue is a major street in this town that gets more traffic than any other street, with the possible exception being Main Street.

Recently, the Town of Ekalaka sent an unknown number of questionnaires to property owners along Mormon Avenue asking their opinion: Should the pavement be repaired or should it be removed? The questionnaire was mailed back to and tabulated by the town. At the beginning of the town council meeting on June 7, 2018 they announced that it was a 50/50 split between those for and against the pavement removal. BUT WAIT! There was one questionnaire that was received after the requested deadline and had not been counted. The council voted to accept it, even if it was late, so it was opened and counted. It was in favor of pavement removal, as is the town’s proposal. Ironic, isn’t it?

It is only human nature that people living along a paved street are reluctant to give up that convenience. Mormon Avenue is the most direct route to and from home for many of the people that live on the south side of Ekalaka even if they don’t live on the street itself. Should they be excluded from giving their opinion about what happens.

The Ekalaka Ambulance uses Mormon Avenue frequently to respond to emergencies and as part of the most direct route to the hospital. It is also their most direct route to the airport and to other facilities when patients need to be evacuated. In many instances, speed is essential and comfort to the sick and injured should be considered. Many of the local farmers and ranchers use Mormon Avenue to move trucks and large pieces of equipment up and down Mormon Avenue rather than try to maneuver them through the downtown area. The farmers and ranchers are constantly using Mormon Avenue to access the FSA/DNRC offices for business concerns and the Carter County Weed Board located at the airport for their weed control products.

Let’s get the potholes properly fixed and get on with our lives.

Pat Strickland, very concerned citizen

Editor’s note: Following acceptance of the late survey, the council unanimously voted to rescind their May 2 motion that upon a 51 percent or more response in favor of the Mormon Avenue project, the town would proceed with replacing the avenue’s pavement with gravel. The council decided to look into other options for Mormon Avenue.