Letter to the Editor

Congressman Skelton -- our township roads need repairs

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Congressman Ike Skelton

2206 Rayburn House Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Skelton,

State Sen. Pearce and I would like to alert you to a potential tragedy that we fear is becoming more likely everyday. Primarily, because of the recent winter weather, many township roads in both Bates and Vernon counties have become virtually impassable. Our fear is that emergency vehicles will not be able to reach constituents who have medical or fire emergencies. Recently, Sen. Pearce and I have received numerous calls from constituents looking for solutions.

County commissions and the Missouri Department of Transportation have no responsibility or authority to address this issue. Township governments are dealing with terrible roads and their funding is unlikely to increase.

In the absence of vastly improved weather, townships are facing emergency road conditions. We respectively request any emergency federal assistance to help preclude a potential tragedy.

Respectfully,

Barney Fisher

State Representative

District 125

David Pearce

State Senator

District 31