Published: August 31, 2007 05:13 pm            

KISSEL: Will it always be about the bridges?

Nobody wants to see the Grand Island bridges fail on any level — from safety to even aesthetics.

These massive structures are just WAY too important to the Island’s high quality of life.

Unless you’re just at home chilling, enjoying the ambient Islandness that most Earthlings will never understand, the bridges have an enormous impact on every aspect of life here: Economics, commute time, personal safety, perceptions of the Island, etc.

So it’s my opinion this topic of bridge safety and how effective they are really can’t be overblown.

Not until I’m fully satisfied we — the public — understand how strong our bridges are and where the weak points are. We know they exist. The low bridge ratings show it.

But the bridges themselves don’t necessarily.

So we — the public that’s been paying for the bridges for decades upon decades — do not know for sure.

That said, I do not — nor does anyone, I’m sure — feel the bridges are in danger of imminent collapse.

So that’s why I can handle — if a bit impatiently — the general response of our elected representatives that they have faith in the Thruway Authority to maintain safe bridges.

Also politicians, including Erie County Legislator Michelle Iannello, Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, Town Supervisor Peter McMahon and Councilwoman Mary Cooke, have all said they are in the process of obtaining more information for themselves and their constituents.

I hope the Thruway Authority will be helpful and proactive in this regard as well.

It could go a long way — for a long time — letting the public know the institution we entrust to maintain our all-important transportation infrastructure is doing the job we deserve.

Good news, bad news ... The bad is that I wrote it was one or the other regarding the fall race for town supervisor. Thanks to Elizabeth Zilbauer, assistant to the supervisor, now I know it’s Peter McMahon who faces losing his position in the town’s government.

Even if Cooke loses the election, she will still retain her position as town councilwoman, keeping alive the possibility the board’s look will stay the same.

When it comes to this, it’s one of the few times I’m glad I’m not a resident of the Island.

I have no idea who I’d choose.

Do you?

Joseph Kissel covers Grand Island for the Record. E-mail comments to joekissel@roadrunner.com.

        

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