Letter to the Editor: Potholes: A Way of Life?

Winter is upon us and this means: potholes. Danbury residents drive on average 15-30 minutes each way to work. We get into our cars to buy groceries, cart our kids around, and drink our morning cup: all over rough and bumpy roads that beat up our cars.

My name is Dennis Perkins and I am running to represent the First Ward for the Danbury City Council. When I walked the neighborhoods of Danbury this summer listening to citizen concerns, I earned the nickname the “Councilman Who Listens.” The most common concern was the poor condition of city roadways. This is especially true for the side streets and “back roads.” Many of us use these streets to avoid traffic snares, find our own special route, or enjoy the scenery after a long day at work. On our drives, we become accustomed to the familiar turns and the potholes to avoid.

Potholes form after water gets under the road surface. Through repeated freeze-thaw cycles the pavement cracks and loosens creating holes and uneven surfaces. These problems are worse on secondary roadways where pavement is thinner and older than on main roads and highways. Such conditions are hazards for vehicle operators, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians alike. What’s worse is that the city is liable for accidents, injuries and car damage resulting from poorly maintained streets.

To address the problem, residents are to report potholes by calling 311, Danbury’s non-emergency line. The Highway Department is then supposed to immediately fix the road. If a reported poor road condition is not fixed and someone suffers injury or their car is damaged then they may make a claim for compensation at the Risk Management Department.

 But how do we know when there has been a report of hazardous roadway? Why should even one tax dollar be spent to compensate avoidable damages?

There is a higher road.

After hearing resident concerns, I talked with several city workers who told me about constant staffing shortages. This means that the road paving and maintenance that should commence when weather permits is constantly backlogged.

As the “Councilman Who Listens,” I would do two things to ensure potholes are no longer a way of life in Danbury. First, I support the cross-training of other capable city workers to repair hazardous roadways, so staffing shortages are no longer an issue.

Second, I would ensure that all damaged road reports are made public. Residents should be able to merely look-up the street in question by locating the street number range near where the pothole appears to know whether and when it was reported. Otherwise, how would we know if a hazardous road report was made and whether it is going to be responded to?

We need transparent government held accountable to the hard working people of our city. Together we can build safe, reliable and even enjoyable roadways. Take the higher road on November 5th, vote for Dennis Perkins, Jr. for Danbury City Council, First Ward. Potholes should not be a way of life in Danbury.

Dennis Perkins, Jr. Vote on November 5, 2013 – Polls Open at 6 a.m.