Continually Inching My Way Out Of The Frying
Pan
Some thoughts from Bob
I remember when we had a congressman who followed a
halaal diet when it came to federal spending. His name was Tim Penny.
It sucked.
Tim was by and large a terrific guy...but his rails
against the system were more than rhetorical. He would refuse to even seek
funding for projects that didn't meet his muster for investment grade federal
spending. We lost tens of millions of dollars in ecenomic development in
the old First district when he was in the House. It didn't go
unspent...it simply went elsewhere.
It is also true that Minnesota is a donor state to
the federal system (mostly because of a dearth in local military
spending).
Thus, while I have many problems with Norm Coleman
and Gil Gutknecht, this does not rank among them. Fix the system if you
can...play the game when you must.
An underpass is needed at Huff (and would be handy
on Mankato, as well)...and if a pedestrian underpass can be built on campus
that's terrific. I visit far smaller communities than Winona...and
viaducts and overpasses are common. I think we need Louisa, Huff, and
Pelzer to be done, and I understand that is the plan.
I had not heard of a proposal for a grade
seperation at Huff and 61 (visions of strange soaring ramps and bridges pop to
mind). Where we need some work is Mankato and 61. Unless a Louisa
Street extension pulls a significant amount (read half) of traffic out of that
intersection, we need to do something there. It is a 'mature'
grade-level intersection (albeit with no turn ramp onto southbound 43 from
southbound 61...I've always wondered why not). I wonder if double left
turn lanes on Mankato/Homer Road would help...other than that I would imagine
that grade seperation there would be the only other option.
As for MN 43...when will that road be twinned down
to 90? Keith Nelson? I, also, have wondered about an in-city
re-route...Second seems like the logical route...with lefts onto Huff and the
Bridge though? That sounds dicey.
Just thought I'd chime in...I do it on a regular
basis, doncha know? LOL
Bob Sebo
Winona
