MOUNT VERNON — Unions, potholes and the new connector road were hot topics during Monday night’s Up for Discussion.
Guests to the live public forum addressed concerns with the number of potholes in the city and whether or not problems on Cochocton Avenue would be fixed now or would the administration wait until the Ohio Department of Transportation’s widening project begins.
Mount Vernon City Council member John Fair explained the widening project would not physically start until at least 2012 and that the city would have to patch the holes.
A gentleman explained that Michigan is using a fiberized seal coat for asphalt that prohibits the penetration of water into roadways which when it freezes, works to create the potholes.
The group discussed the violence and damage caused by protesters to Wisconsin’s collective bargaining legislation. While most members of the group were happy to see so many people standing up for their opinions, all those who voiced their opinion were concerned with the unnecessary destruction of property and disregard for the law that was taking place.
Several people said that throughout American history, unions have worked to create necessary labor laws that protect the American worker. However, there were some who feel unions have strayed from their original mission.
“In most cases, unions have not stuck to their roots,” one guest stated.
The new connector road between Coshocton Avenue and Yauger Road was discussed briefly to give an overview of the project and explain why the city feels the road is necessary.
City Council member Nancy Vail said the new road is necessary to keep traditional traffic away from Knox Community Hospital as motorists currently use the hospital as a means to get from one road to the other, which travels near the entrance to the emergency room and the helicopter landing pad.
Council member Bruce Hawkins added the construction of the road will hopefully attract motorists that typically use the intersection at Coshocton Road, Vernonview Drive and Yauger Road. Hawkins said that is the most dangerous intersection in the city.
