Traffic signals a mistake
To the editor:
The traffic signals at High School/Fletcher Bay are a mistake.
Though I have passed that intersection dozens of times since the detour was emplaced, (one day) at 6 p.m. was my first opportunity to witness the traffic signals in operation as other than blinking lights. Coming from the east on High School Road, the backup was a quarter of a mile long. Such backups only occur when there are flaggers, police directing traffic, or traffic signaling. Such backups are wasteful of time, fuel, and pollution. I sat in the miles-long backup on day one when the three-way stop signs were first introduced (flaggers). Others have reported long delays when police are directing traffic. Such traffic control measures are wasteful as they require all movement to cease while directions are switched, and then traffic tends to flow on a single axis only, which is highly inefficient.
(Recently), through multiple cycles, there were extended periods of no traffic flowing in any direction, as the signals operate on timers and not the presence of vehicles. When the signals are not operating, it is common to see vehicles moving in three directions simultaneously with no breaks in activity. The apparent cooperation among drivers is a sight to behold.
The latest City Manager’s weekly report states that the traffic signals will be turned on full-time from (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) when school starts. Why? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
It would be best to remove (the traffic signals) altogether. The stop signs are sufficient and work best.
Varon Mullis
Bainbridge Island
LIHI project a good idea
Last week, I was invited to sign a petition to halt the current affordable housing development at the corner at 625 Winslow. The stated purpose is to ensure that this site reflects the values, pride and vision of the island.
I’m not signing the petition, precisely because the affordable housing planned for this corner is an excellent expression of my values, pride and vision of the island. For 35 years, my family and I have benefited from people working here in schools, stores, and public and private services. I am deeply grateful for their hard work. The new housing will make it easier for many of them and their families to live on the island. This will be good for the entire community.
I am proud that the city is using public land for this. Putting this housing at the gateway to the island is a great message to visitors. It tells them we value the people who work for us every day.
Affordable housing is tough to create. This project is a step in the right direction. The people who work on the island need more. The petition promoters say there are alternative sites and initiatives. Where do they think these are, as opportunities for affordable housing that are feasible in cost, practical in location, and acceptable to neighbors? We could use them too.
Peter Harris
Bainbridge Island
Anyone but Deets
To the editor:
I have three times observed Joe Deets avoid his responsibilities as a Bainbridge Island City Councilmember. It appears he is listening and concerned, but nothing happens, only excuses. Joe Deets is a no-go showboat. Anyone else is a better choice.
Varon Mullis
Bainbridge Island
Vote for Deets
To the editor:
At a time when many politicians seem to have their fingers in their ears, doing only what they believe is best, it’s easy to feel discouraged. However, my experience working with Joe Deets has been the absolute opposite.
Always a friendly face, Joe truly listens to his constituents. Even when we disagreed, I can attest that he has always come to the table with curiosity and a willingness to revise his thoughts based on new information.
From climate change to equity, affordable housing, and —you guessed it— beavers, Joe has always been open to genuine dialogue. This kind of discourse is vital to a healthy democracy, and Joe has consistently welcomed conversations over a cup of coffee.
I look forward to continuing the conversation with Joe over the next four years, and I encourage you to join me in voting for Joe Deets this November.
Olivia Hall
Bainbridge Island
Don’t re-elect Deets
To the editor:
Joe Deets needs to retire and let someone else run. Deets…has for the last several years, blocked my efforts to have equal funding for Hanukkah and transparency on how much school and police time is spent on Christmas holiday events. He only meets with people who are the same political flavor as he is and won’t agree to mediation that involves holding him and his Winslow for-profit “progressives” accountable.
Elect the plastic dalmation at the firehouse before another term of Deets. How is this guy not term-limited?
Joe Benoliel
Bainbridge Island
