To the Editor:

For the third time in the last few days Main Street and side streets are jammed with freeway traffic, further crippling our Village and businesses, not to mention emergency traffic flow.  The state tells us that 1500 people are moving to Texas every day from the overcrowded north, yet we continue to just piddle along with expanding our infrastructure just like we did in the past.

Years ago we considered a reliever freeway through east Texas and then there was a high speed train followed by another reliever freeway and all were defeated by exaggerations, even outright lies so we’re stuck dead in the past.  And, this doesn’t apply just to Salado.  Take a look at our big city traffic congestion nightmares.    And, what we’re doing to expand I-35 through Texas today is already obsolete and Salado, Hillsboro and others, could not endure the staggering damage of another TxDot expansion of I-35 so let’s not even consider that option.

Leadership leads and it’s time we held our state government responsible for this quagmire.   They are obviously not paying attention so let’s wake them up with a lawsuit and while we’re at it, let’s also send all those responsible elected and appointed “good ole’ boys” back to the ranch and replace them with folks who are willing to act on behalf of Texas.

Oh yes, one final note.  Consider freeway construction in Southern California.  One segment through Anaheim-Fullerton was started and finished in months, not years and they worked twenty four hours a day to do it.  The contractor was also subject to painfully high liquidated damages for delays and the state paid painfully high bonus money for early completion.  Guess what?……….they completed early.

Welcome to our newcomers.  We’re glad you’re here.  We know Texas is indeed the land of opportunity.   Hopefully, some of you folks know something about building infrastructure because we obviously don’t.  Now, let’s all work together to drag Austin into the realities of the 21st century.

Jack Schrock

Salado, TX