A problem to ponder (08/01/2008)

Here's a head-scratcher.

In Dunkirk, solid local merchants like Bill Blankenbaker at Gaunt Jewelry are concerned that police have become too stringent in enforcing the speed limit through downtown.

In Portland, equally solid local merchants will tell you they wish the speed limit through downtown were enforced more rigorously.

The irony is, in both towns the central concern is making the downtown retail district uninviting to folks who would like to do business there.

In Dunkirk's case, it's a perception - fair or not - that downtown is turning into a speed trap that drivers will start avoiding.

In Portland's case, it's a perception - again, fair or not - that high-speed semi traffic and red lights being run with impunity make downtown potentially hazardous to pedestrian shoppers.

At first blush, it might look like one of those you-can't-please-everyone situations; and it becomes easy for public officials to dismiss the complaints, maybe even citing the gripes aired in the other town.

But on further reflection, it may be that both complaints are valid.

Strict enforcement of downtown speed limits in the middle of the night can convince folks to avoid a town entirely.

And lax enforcement of downtown traffic laws during the day can make crossing Meridian Street in Portland an unnecessarily dangerous adventure.

What's needed, first of all, is for local officials both in Dunkirk and Portland to listen to those who are complaining.

Then, it's all a matter of finding a balance, enforcing the law without undue hassles but maintaining public safety.

Right now, in both Dunkirk and Portland, that balance appears to be missing. - J.R.

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