A LIFETIME OF PUBLIC SERVICE, TO MY COUNTRY, MY STATE, AND NOW TO MY COUNTY.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Juniper Canyon Emergency Exit: A Solution

I recently had the opportunity to meet Mel Klaus, a 77 year resident of Crook County with a wealth of experience in logging, running cats, and building roads, both here and in Alaska, where he worked on the pipeline.
Many people in Crook County know Mel.  Some years ago, he ran a rough road from Davis Loop to Hwy 27.  Standing on Hwy 27 near Swartz Canyon, you can still see the opening where Mel cut the road through.  

Mel's old road is a very short route out of that large cul-de-sac called Juniper Canyon, a potential fire trap now, with only one road out.  Mel took a cat over the rim, cutting the opening I observed, proving the possibility.

The County Court should leave the office and take a short trip with Mel to look at this route; it could save the taxpayers - I should say, "voters" - a lot of money and create a safe exit out of Juniper Canyon, making 3000 residents happier and more secure.  This route could also be extended to connect with the George Millican Hwy, something we desperately need.

Mel Klaus is passionate about his road.  His wife is suffering from serious health problems, yet he took the time, and his own truck and gas, to take me around and show me his ideas - more than ideas: he has already cut much of this road once.  He tells me nobody will listen to him; I listened to him, and I saw what he has done.  I believe this is a very good solution to a difficult problem.

Heads up, Crook County Court; we have a citizen with experience who deserves your attention.



Tuesday, May 20, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

To all of you who took the time to research the truth and who voted for ethics and integrity in county government, I sincerely thank you.         WALT WAGNER