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Letters, 8/25: Party welcomes change

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Friday, Aug 25, 2006 - 12:09:25 am CDT

At last Saturday’s Nebraska Democratic Party convention, I nominated Kate Witek as the Democratic candidate for state auditor. Let me tell you why.

The NDP is open to those who change their views and/or find that the GOP is not what it claims.

The burden is not on the NDP to defend its actions but rather on Ms. Witek to demonstrate that she is sincere in her reasons for leaving the GOP. Perhaps some can read Ms. Witek’s mind; I can’t. Her independent actions as auditor speak more loudly than the cynicism of skeptics.

I am not going through life assuming that anyone who registered as a Republican can never see the error of their ways. I did not question the sincerity of Ed Zorinsky or others when they switched parties.

Understandably, in 2006, there are many, many Republicans who agree with Sen. Chuck Hagel’s comments last Sunday as he acknowledged that the GOP has lost its way. Hagel asked, “Where is the fiscal responsibility of the party I joined in ’68? Where is the international engagement of the party I joined — fair, free trade, individual responsibility, not building a bigger government, but building a smaller government?”

The NDP does not have a “hierarchy.” We welcome the disagreements, the discussions, the arguments, the dissent and the genuine debate which goes on every day within the party of those who do not take orders.

Let me say to those Nebraska Republicans who agree with Sen. Hagel’s assessment after his 10 years working with his fellow GOP senators and six years observing a Republican president that the GOP has lost its way, “Come look over the Nebraska Democratic Party.” Take a look at the party that stands for those things that Sen. Hagel wishes the GOP represented and for more. Do not let others tell you what the NDP stands for; decide for yourself.

Vince Powers, Lincoln

Member, Democratic National Committee

Stop bashing councilman

If one City Council member has so much power and influence, let’s make him Lincoln’s next mayor.

Jonathan Cook is one person with just one vote doing what we all would do if the city wanted to widen streets in our neighborhood. So get off his back!

It’s time to quit whining about 27th Street and dogs. Believe me, there are more important topics to discuss in this city.

Landon K. Osborne, Lincoln

Where are moderates?

Did anyone else besides me enjoy a chuckle over the ironic humor of the Aug. 17 Journal Star Opinion page?

Barely 6 inches from the accusation that this is a “right-wing propaganda page,” there was a picture of Molly Ivins.

Yup.  That ol’ Molly sure spews the right-wing propaganda, doesn’t she?

The truth is that Cal Thomas and Molly Ivins probably “balance” the opinion page, but the Journal Star could do us all a favor by dumping both of them, and achieving your balance by presenting a variety of moderate points of view.  That is assuming you can find any moderates in this day and age.

Jerry Lusienski, Ashland

Cyclists’ right to ride

I was disappointed to read the letter by Derald E. Gottsleben (“No rules for bicyclists,” Aug. 18) criticizing the behavior of bicyclists in Lincoln.

It is unfortunate that a very small percentage of commuter cyclists are ruining the image of those who are obeying the traffic laws. However, the same runs true for motorists. For every 200 cars that pass me on my commute, there is usually one that nearly clips me with its side mirror, cuts me off at a turn or honks at me as if I have no business riding in the street.

As a member of one of Nebraska’s largest bicycle clubs, Team Kaos, we constantly preach to our members to follow the rules of the road, ride defensively — and to always wear a helmet. The majority of us also own cars, so we are paying for our right to ride on city streets.

Sean Weide, Omaha

Reasons to ride bikes

In response to the letter about bicyclists not obeying the rules, yes, there are some bicyclists who ride in places where I wish they weren’t and do things I wish they wouldn’t, and I am probably one of them.

I do try to not do things that would bother me if I were in the automobile. I don’t ride on busy streets, for one, but when I am on a street, I do have the right and privilege to ride on that street. I ride as far to the right when I am able, and you can pass me when you feel like it. I may not always be to the far right, and that is usually because it is unsafe for me to ride very far right on some streets. That is why a nicely maintained bicycle lane on some streets would be a blessing for both of us.

Now, let’s talk about you in your automobile. Do you support the war in Iraq? Do you support opening more Alaskan wilderness to oil drilling? Do you believe that automobile exhaust does not contribute to global warming? Are you comfortable paying $3 per gallon of gasoline? If you answered no to any of these questions, then get out of your plush automobile and ride a bicycle to work or the store or school.

As I sit on my bicycle at the stop lights along Capitol Parkway, O Street and Vine Street, most automobiles have a single passenger.  What a waste of gasoline.  No wonder prices are so high.

Paul Morrison, Lincoln

Just show some respect

After reading the letter to the editor about wasting money on bike lanes and all the comments left online concerning that letter, it was very disappointing and sad.

The other night I was woken up by our dogs barking. I got up to see what was going on. I looked out the front door to see a cop car and an officer walking toward our house. I froze with fear because I thought that something happened to my husband.

Suddenly I saw my husband. He was fine, but someone did try to run him off the road on the way home from his job.

We need to stop this fighting and bickering. It is my worst fear to be notified by an officer that I have tragically lost a loved one. Be respectful of cars, bicyclists and pedestrians. They all have someone who loves them and wants them to come home safely.

Samantha Barber, Lincoln


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Dave K wrote on August 25, 2006 12:28 am:
" Landon, your logic would work if Jonathan Cook was opposed to the widening of any street where residents would be affected. Since he isn't, then your letter is bogus. Instead of practicing what is best for Lincoln, he is engaging in NIMBY-ism. "

 Headley wrote on August 25, 2006 1:34 am:
" Many people, on these comment boards and other places, have correctly stated that it is illegal and dangerous to pass another vehicle in the same lane. Why do bicyclists like Paul insist on inticing and publically encouraging illegal behavior on the part of motorists by riding on the far right? If, as bicyclists, we truly have the right and priviledges of being on road in traffic with other vehicles, why do some of us relegate ourselves and other cyclists to second-class status? It is far safer if you use the center or left third of the lane and force motorists to pass you like any other slower moving vehicle. I am a huge advocate of bicycling for people of all skill levels and experience. But when we as a community send mixed messages to those that we share the roads with, it undermines our rights and priviledges as legitimate users of public roadways. So keep up the good work of promoting of bike riding, but knock off the wimpy cowering that allows motorists to literally drive all of the rest of us. "

 Whitney wrote on August 25, 2006 6:12 am:
" Dave K, you're wrong. Jonathen Cook was instrumental in tabling a project for a turning lane and bike path that would have destroyed several beautiful back yards in MY neighborhood (in SW Lincoln)! He , like many Lincolnites, is opposed to any unnecessary, expensive, road construction that involves eminent domain in destroying people's private property, and further ruining the aesthetics of our city. That 14 year old, in a comment section a couple of days ago, who said that Lincoln "looks like it's recovering from carpet bombing" was dead on! I thank G@d for Jonathen Cook! "

 David wrote on August 25, 2006 7:09 am:
" Jonathan Cook and those who vote to keep 27th street and other similar streets small are seriously damaging this city. What we have now is a situation where there is no reasonable path to the south side of town. This separates Lincoln and creates an atmosphere of animosity. When there was a request for a bond issue for a nice park in south Lincoln no one in the north though "that sounds nice. I'll go there a lot". Instead they though "I'm not spending my money for a park I wouldn't really even be able to get to". Clogged arteries (or arterials as they call streets) are dangerous in people and in cities. We risk killing portions of our town if we don't have proper and intelligent traffic flow. "

 connie wrote on August 25, 2006 8:03 am:
" I'll say it as many times as I have to; I drive the entire length of 27th street, during peak times, twice a day. There is NO NEED to widen it! I don't live in any of the beautiful neighborhoods that would be affected, but I still don't want to see the beauty of them damaged. I am not so selfish, nor so impatient, that I want to see any destruction of old trees and private property, so I can save 5 minutes getting to work! The only time our traffic is 'clogged' is when it's 'clogged' by construction. I used to live in Chicago, where they continually widen everything. Eight-lane streets, and they're still jammed! It's routing, people, not widening! "

 Gary B wrote on August 25, 2006 8:06 am:
" Alright, first of all, anyone who truly believes that our city looks like it's been carped bombed is either extremely naive, or horribly uninformed. Watch a few watch "Saving Private Ryan" to see what a carpet bombed city looks like. We may have a lot of construction going on...but it is just that, construction...not destruction. Secondly, Mr. Powers, I really don't care why you nominated her, the fact is you did it in contradiction to Nebraska law. This reminds me of a certain Omaha area official that switched from Democrat to Republican so he could vote against a chosen Republican...he lost his job for party switching, and rightly so. Ms. Witek didn't "see the error in her ways", she saw her career disappearing, and decided to go to whatever lengths necessary to hold onto it. There is nothing noble in what she did. Oh yeah...don't even get me started on Jon Cook. "

 Allison wrote on August 25, 2006 8:12 am:
" Widening of 27th St is a high priority for the city as the project simply needs to be completed. If J Cook has engaged in personal expression and voting rather than representing the at-large population he may be violating an ethical duty. This is hardly bashing but is a part of accountability and freedom of sppech to rout out corruption in government. "

 Seth wrote on August 25, 2006 8:25 am:
" Was Samantha's husband on a bike? I am kind of confused. "

 Sam B wrote on August 25, 2006 8:43 am:
" Although I don't trust Kate Witek as far as I can throw her, I certainly don't have a problem with her being on the ballot against Mike Foley. Foley's behavior in the Legislature, especially the last session, makes me seriously question his ethics and integrity. The only problem then would be which one of these would I vote for while holding my nose? Jon Cook, on the other hand, is doing a fine job...which is more than can be said for Jon Camp. "

 Barbara wrote on August 25, 2006 8:46 am:
" Widening of 27th street is NOT a high priority. It isn't "corruption in government" for a councilmember to oppose street widening through residential areas! Have you SEEN what 27th St between O and South looks like?? Did you know that yes, that was a beautiful residential street at one time? Consider now the lack of trees, the rundown rental properties. That's the way it looks because NO ONE wants to own a home on a widened street. The houses become rental properties, but renters don't often want to live on a busy street, either, so the rents have to be lowered to attract people, and the landlord puts little into a place that attracts low rents. Street widening through residential areas *destroys* neighborhoods. I happen to know that Jonathan Cook in general opposes widening residential streets, and not just his own. "

 Sparki wrote on August 25, 2006 8:51 am:
" I think communting by bike is great for the biker, the air, the city, etc. But I have to agree that a lot of bikers don't pay attention to the rules of the road and thus cause danger to themselves and to others. I was driving up 14th street this morning after dropping kids off at school (which is why I wasn't on a bike myself), and there was one biker in the bike lane and one biker in the lefthand auto lane. I couldn't be in the righthand auto lane because it was a turning lane and because it was already blocked by a semi unloading goods for a local shop. So basically, I had to putter at 5 mph behind the biker who was in the only lane autos had access to while he ignored the bike lane made just for him. He knows he's not going to get a ticket (cops have better things to do), so he felt perfectly free to just be rude and screw up everybody else's morning commute AND many people's opinions about having bike lanes. "

 Colorado Biker wrote on August 25, 2006 8:53 am:
" I am glad I don't live in Lincoln anymore. From all the comments that I have read, it seems that drivers are more angry with bikers than ever before. That wouldn't make me feel safe riding a bike in Lincoln. In Colorado there are bike lanes everywhere and drivers respect them. I can even ride the highways around Denver and Boulder and feel safe. Its too bad the drivers of Lincoln are so disrespectful. I noticed it the 30 years I biked in Lincoln. If they think that their 20 minute commute to downtown is so bad, they should move to Denver where 1 hour commutes are the norm and bikes are everywhere. "

 D.S.B wrote on August 25, 2006 8:59 am:
" I hope that all this bike controversy dies down soon! I've ridden my bike 9 miles every morning, except deep winter, for over 10 years. Now, suddenly, I feel conspicuous, like everyone in a car is watching for me to do something wrong! It's not a comfortable feeling, even if I am just paranoid. "

 LDE wrote on August 25, 2006 9:26 am:
" Dumping Cal and Molly in favor of a more moderate expression is like saying "I am neither for nor against apathy!" Why not use our 90 billion cell computers called a brain to discern where the truth resides according to our current understanding and then be willing to enter the dialogue with a position of openness to the new truth that may emerge out of that encounter. The expression of strong convictions by persons with differing perspectives may be a call to examine old and solidified prejudices and preferences in order to become more mature in our journey toward that final destination where truth will be known in its fullness. "

 George wrote on August 25, 2006 9:56 am:
" Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, elitist arrogance and an uncooperative spirit is far from beautiful. Social aesthetics are imortant as are aesthetics of urban design that incorporates efficientcies. Design beauty is lacking in that area blighted with greed. "

 Move on! wrote on August 25, 2006 10:09 am:
" The petty and selfish antagonists of widening south 27th should forfeit their pride and move on! When years of planning have warned them of the plan, it is silly they did not move or negotiate with the city. Life is too short to be obstructionists to community development. Our military families sacrifice Life itself for the good of the community...it appears we have some who work to undermine what our engineers have determined is a rational direction and project to engage in. The lawns are pretty and the homes charming, but they are out of place and out of time. "

 J. Cook Lover wrote on August 25, 2006 10:13 am:
" Connie, You're right. Let's not widen 27th Street. In fact, at South Street, let's reduce it to one lane each direction, plus a center turn lane, for the entire length of the street until it terminates at I-80. And south of Highway 2, let's do the same thing. Let's return to the homeowners the portions of their front yards that were taken for the unnecessary widening of those portions of the street years ago. In fact, we ough to do that on all streets in Lincoln. I'm sure those businesses along "O" Street would like to have their parking lot spaces back. I don't think we need any more than one lane either direction plus a center turn lane on any street in this city. After all, spending a few extra minutes on your commute to work is worth it, isn't it? "

 Hicks wrote on August 25, 2006 10:20 am:
" Our council, and Cook should be looking at the benefits and importance of Comprehensive Plans so future neighborhoods can develop and stay intact. We need engineers and urban architects to put a roadmap in place and require developers to use the melding of art and science to create well designed city expansion. The mistakes of the past now haunt this project and the battle of emotions v. public need is vivid. The city should be engaging eminent domain ASAP so increased costs do not further delay this project. "

 Observer wrote on August 25, 2006 10:33 am:
" Gosh, Mr. Powers, I had assumed that the reason that Ms. Witek had changed to the Democratic Party was to elude the term limit that would preclude her from running for State Auditor, again. Thanks for straightening me out. "

 beerorkid wrote on August 25, 2006 10:42 am:
" so I looked at the blueprints again after riding the bike lanes a bit last night. I have commented before that no lanes would lost. I was wrong. Between N and P on 14th there will only be two lanes for cars when previously there were three. You can view the blueprints at www.beerorkid.com/bikelane/ That is kinda a bummer, I have seen the congestion of that area around 5PM. Sparki, yeah that is kinda messed up. I am sure it only inconvienced you for a brief moment though. Although the person not using the bike lane was being inconsiderate, he was not breaking the law. Was the biker preparing for a turn? We all have experienced being behind a car that was not doing the speed limit, it is frustrating, but it should not ruin your day. "

 Dan wrote on August 25, 2006 10:43 am:
" My first reaction to Vince Powers' attempt to explain the unexplainable: -- Kate Witek is no Ed Zorinsky. My second reaction: -- Good lord, he sounds like he really believes this tripe. If so, that's truly frightening for the Democratic party in Nebraska. Finally: -- Kate Witek vs. Mike Foley? That's a joke, right? I mean, what's the point? That's all "

 Ben wrote on August 25, 2006 11:06 am:
" Funny how Witek said last week that she was leaving the GOP because they only seem interested in retaining certain offices. What the heck is she doing now? She missed the primary to be a running mate for Osborne, he lost, and now she switches parties so she can...retain her office!! The blatant hypocrisy is astounding! Tell me fellow Nebraskans, does Witek think we are all too stupid to see through her little game? "

 Angry Beavers wrote on August 25, 2006 11:11 am:
" From reading all the bike vs driver rants is it any wonder why they say we are an angry city. :( Guess it really is true. :( And BTW I know that none of these comments in here were taken into consideration when they were determining that. So before you go off on that I already know what it was based on. ;) "

 JJ wrote on August 25, 2006 12:05 pm:
" I hate that politics have seemingly become so black and white--either you (or your candidate) is very conservative, or if they aren't, they get the reputation of being very liberal. I also think it's a bunch of baloney that I'm supposed to vote Republican to keep Democrats from gaining control. Or that we need someone who will vote strictly party lines. If we want a puppet in DC who will always vote along party lines, why not assume that in Nebraska, the Republican candidate will win, and just tell Washington to add one Republican vote to everything counted? That way we could save the money of actually paying someone to be in Congress. We elect people to represent what's in the state's and in the country's best interests, regardless of party lines. Personally, I tend to think moderate candidates are good in theory because they actually vote issues on merit instead of party lines. And before someone gets their panties in a bunch and calls me a bleeding liberal or something, I do lean left on issues such as abortion, rights for the GLBT community, freedom of expression, and hesitating to jump into war. But I lean right on capital punishment, guns and gun safety, budget and spending, support of our troops, and allowing states' autonomy. Some issues I lean pretty far one way or the other; others I stay somewhere toward the middle. So I value candidates who vote issues on merit and who are willing to consider the best way to represent the majority while protecting the minority (as appropriate). All I ask is to show me a candidate who actively works toward solving problems and getting things done and doesn't just play the politics game and they will get my vote, regardless of whether I agree with their party's platform. If politicians spent half the time and money on real issues as they do on campaigning, we would all be better off. "

 Brian wrote on August 25, 2006 12:15 pm:
" While some can argue that widening arterial streets destroys neighborhoods, let's remember the flat out fact that people purchased properties...on an arterial street. It is a simple fact of life that arterial streets are there for the public use and should be built to meet that use. The property owners along those streets know full well that they run a risk of having a roadway widened, but they buy the property anyway. It was a choice they made themselves. It was also a choice Mr. Cook has made as well. I believe it's time that the council stepped up to do what is right for its citizens, commuters, and economic well-being of the city it represents. "

 Sharon wrote on August 25, 2006 12:48 pm:
" Cook might be a local favorite politician, but he is only that. Just as in Iraq liberal critics of a larger plan seem to undermine the generals. In the case of widening 27th St, the generals are the traffic engineers...the experts in a battle to alleviate traffic terrors. We need to support the conservative engineers, not liberal tree savers who would put a tree before the greater good of our community and ignore the people trained to do the job of traffic planning. "

 LW wrote on August 25, 2006 12:56 pm:
" Why can't we all just get along, and peacefully co-habit the streets and by-ways of Lincoln proper? Why isn't it possible for some to be considerate, mindful, and aware of bikers/drivers when commuting to and from work, or simply riding for leisure or exercise? Are we too angry or frusterated about other things in our world-weary lives that cause such commotion and distress in regards the fashion in which we execute our daily routines, such as riding a bike or driving a car? I wish I had an answer, but having bought a new bike recently, I realize I've inadvertedly drafted myself into this blitthering idiot war of words between motorists and bicyclists. Mercy... Well, keep an eye out for me. I'm the one wearing a helmet while riding my bicycle on those beautiful sunny fall days to come, and I can hardly wait. "

 KellyJo wrote on August 25, 2006 1:00 pm:
" As a Nebraska Democrat, I'm confused and embarrassed at the nomination of Kate Witek. The fact that she switched parties merely to retain her current position is so blatantly obvious that I'm ashamed of those Democrats who choose not to acknowledge what is so obvious to all. I need to research this Foley guy (although he doesn't seem to be much of a choice, either). I want to see Democrats make strides in Nebraska but not in such an underhanded and insulting way as Witek has attempted to do. "

 I enjoy the drive wrote on August 25, 2006 1:07 pm:
" I'm with the lady who said she's not selfish, or impatient enough to want private property destroyed so we can save 5 minutes to work! I'd rather have my morning drive take a little longer, along pretty, shaded, streets, than get to work 5 minutes sooner over an endless landscape of concrete. I thank Jonathon Cook for preserving the aesthetics of my daily commute, and ALL our pretty neighborhoods! "

 Richard wrote on August 25, 2006 1:28 pm:
" Maybe it is time to make certain streets "ONE WAY" only with left turns allowed only at major intersections. An example: 27th Street Northbound only. 33rd Southbound only etc. NO LEFT TURNS except at major intersections. East & West bound lanes set up the same way. "

 Phil wrote on August 25, 2006 3:02 pm:
" The only thing Chuck Hagel and Kate Witek demonstrate for Republicans is the antithesis of the old adage... When the going gets tought the tough get going. Hagel's answer to the "shocking" realization that war is a messy, difficult, and unpredictable is to say hey... I'm oughta here. It would seem that Kate Witek has the same tendency, when it comes to state government. Let em go GOP... they aren't helping anyone. "

 I'm selfish wrote on August 25, 2006 3:08 pm:
" I believe a city that is growing needs to accomodate its residents and requiring a city of over 250,000 residents to squish onto 2 lane streets to get anywhere or trying to limit arterials as if they were still residential is unrealistic and ludicrous. Get with the times people! Lincoln is a city, not a small town and we have to stop choking all the potential growth. Lincoln needs effective routes for the people that live here. "

 to I'm selfish wrote on August 27, 2006 2:28 pm:
" Look around...please show me where the city is choking all the potential growth. Lincoln is growing so much that groups are buying the south side of Saltillo road just to preserve the "green." Are you blind? or maybe just blind to reality. Widening 27th street is unrealistic, think of the cost of acquiring these homes and businesses, unless of course, the city pursues eminent domain, then they will only succeed in demonstrating our move towards bigger, stronger government with a dictator-like slant. "

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