We are troubled by Mayor Ray Masayko's recent statement concerning the Highway 395 bypass through Carson City vs. the Highway 395 extension from Winter's Ranch to the Mount Rose connection, and the governor's statement that there are not enough funds available for both projects, so one or the other will have to wait for up to 10 years.
Masayko was quoted as saying that he was willing to wait and "let the chips fall where they may" on this issue. Excuse me!
It is all but obvious to anyone who drives in this community that Carson City desperately needs this bypass in order to ease a serious traffic problem. This situation is rapidly getting out of control.
As a small example, we live near the airport. I work in Reno, my wife works here in Carson City on the south end of town. My commute to work takes approximately 30 to 35 minutes each way. My wife's commute takes almost as long at times. That's about the same amount of time for her to drive less than one third the distance!
I have witnessed gridlock along Roop Street at mid-afternoon where traffic was backed up from William Street to Long Street, with intersections blocked to the point where nothing could move in any direction.
I have taken as much as 10 to 15 minutes to travel from the intersection of Roop and Long streets to the intersection of Roop and William streets. All this was done at "non-peak" traffic times of 7:30 a.m., noon or 4:30 p.m. Believe me, I avoid travel in Carson City at the above-mentioned times; however, my wife experiences the frustration of driving in rush hour traffic in this community on a daily basis.
Mayor Masayko was elected to represent the citizens of this community. Can he explain to us why he is not lobbying the governor for the funding guarantee from the state to finish a project that is obviously vital to this community? Can he explain to us why you are not lobbying the governor for the funding guarantee from the state to finish a project that has already begun construction?
Can he explain to us why he is willing to "Let the chips fall where they may," over a project that has displaced businesses and disrupted citizens' lives in this community? Can he explain to us why he is willing to gamble at our expense on a highway project we desperately need in this community?
We recently received a request for support in hi reelection bid. Carson City needs a strong mayor who will not roll over on issues of importance to this community. Is he that man, or is he willing to let the votes fall where they may?
ROBERT and DONNA MORGAN
Carson City
