Bloviations

In case you missed last night’s Twitter flurry (view my profile history), the Jacksonville City Council considered and approved the Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan.

Councilman Randy Thomas who cast the lone dissenting vote, was confused about the purpose of this plan. Other City residents, such as Mr. Robert Hitch, are also confused.

The Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan does not require the City to spend a dollar in support of bicycle lanes or sidewalks. The Plan lays out an assortment of recommendations for City action but does not require or force the City to take a step in expanding (creating from scratch, really) any bicycle or pedestrian improvements. When the City is ready to act, however, this Plan will be available and the City will not have to fund further planning.

What was worse than Councilman Thomas’ clear misunderstanding of the purpose for the plan was his obvious desire to keep Jacksonville as-is. He questioned the point of installing safe cross-walks on Western Blvd. The basis of his argument was that since nothing had been done along Western Blvd in the more than 30 years it has existed, why should anything be done now? This is the same thought that has essentially kept Jacksonville frozen in time for decades. Why are there no sidewalks? Because prior City Councils refused to act. Why are there no bicycle lanes? Because prior City Councils refused to act. Why does Jacksonville have a reputation as one of the worst duty stations throughout the Marine Corps? Because the prior City Councils have refused to do anything to make it better, in any sense of the word. And Councilman Randy Thomas is satisfied with that.

Fortunately for Jacksonville, the other sitting City Council members, specifically Councilmen Jerome Willingham and Michael Lazzara, are willing to step forward to lead Jacksonville to a brighter future.

Also fortunately for Jacksonville, Councilman Randy Thomas is an “At Large” member with a two-year term and will be required to compete for re-election in 2009.