Open Forum

When the speed limit was increased to 65 mph on interstate highways a few years ago, everyone was told that this was a no tolerance speed limit. They cited many positive reasons for increasing the speed limit such as: it would actually make driving safer because everyone would be driving closer to the same speed. This was supposed to cause less passing and therefore, less hazards. I never understood this concept then and I definitely don't believe it now. First of all, what happened to the "no tolerance?" Many people are actually driving 75-80 mph on these roads. I know because I will be driving 65 mph and they fly by me like I am standing still.

It's very confusing because not all highway speed limits are 65 mph. People get used to going one speed. Then they drive this speed on all highways. This often ends up being 75-80 mph. One example of this is on Highway 210 between Motley and Brainerd, where the speed limit is 55 mph. This is a single-lane highway which is very hilly and curvy with not many passing areas. Anyone knows that if you are traveling at 75-80 mph that the force of the impact in an accident will be much worse. The risk of injury is higher than if you are traveling 55 mph. Also you have more reaction time to actually prevent an accident at a lesser speed.

I am writing this because I don't believe that the politicians who voted for this change were concerned about the citizens and their safety. The higher they raise the speed limit the faster the people will drive. I believe that they should reconsider this law and lower the speed limit back to 55 mph. People would then drive 65 mph which is what they supposedly wanted in the first place.

Shannon Carry

Browerville

They'll be back

Developers turned down! That's news in our area. Two big projects halted, at least temporarily. It was interesting to note the similarity in the project-pushers' reaction. When the Gull Lake P.U.D. didn't sweep in and sweep away as expected, the developer said that the turn-down, "Came as a surprise." When the attorney for the American Tower project didn't get what he expected his reaction was, "I'm frankly astounded."

Of course they are surprised and astounded because up to now these people have generally gotten what they wanted.

One of the developers ended with the statement, "We'll be back." I couldn't help but see the villain in the melodrama throw his black cape over one shoulder and make his mad exit.

They will be back. Let's be ready.

Helen Gangsei

Pequot Lakes