Annapolis Capital Punishment

Loyal CP reader Faith Goldstein has shared this letter which she has sent to Alderman Fred Paone.:

To Mr. Paone:

I am a resident of West Annapolis and I am also a member of the Citizen's Advisory Board for the new Ten Year Plan. I also have two legs, two feet, two cars, I walk and I care about Annapolis.

The Ten Year Plan Meetings are open to the public and if you or the rest of the public would attend , you would learn that one of the needs of our city which we have discussed and will recommend is a viable system of connected, repaired sidewalks which are not cracked or encumbered by telephone poles and other obstacles. In order to reduce dependency on the automobile for both financial and environmental reasons, we need desperately to create an urban town which affords its citizens alternatives to the automobile.

I was appalled to read that you said that because some of the residents of West Annapolis do not have sidewalks that they should not be taxed for the betterment of the entire community. Doing right as opposed to the politically expedient is what our country and our city so desperately need. We need your leadership and you and your fellow aldermen were elected to provide it.

We live at the Ridgely Bridge where the sidewalk ends the moment it crosses Weems Creek. Ridgely Avenue is used constantly by walkers, joggers, mothers pushing baby carriages and speeding cars. We hold our breath every time we see a close call since there are no sidewalks.

Further up the street the sidewalks begin (yes, there really are sidewalks in West Annapolis, contrary to your beliefs) and they are used daily, probably by the same people who have no side walks in front of their homes. They grocery shop, frequent the shops on Annapolis Street, go to the doctor, eat at Regina's, get manicures or exercise. My husband and I actually walk downtown by foot at least twice a week . We walk on sidewalks where they exist and which are in such disrepair that I actually tripped and needed stitches in my elbow.

For you to say that there are no sidewalks in West Annapolis is irresponsible and short sighted, and I invite you to tour your own ward to see the sidewalks and their obstacles. I also recommend that you have the vision to ignore the "politics of taxes" and do what is best for the future of our city.

Perhaps the City Council lacks communication skills, but I presume that most of them would like to see our economy improve for the benefit of our health, welfare and convenience. We can move forward or we can allow the infrastructure of our city to deteriorate and become outmoded. Twenty five dollars is six cups of coffee or six gallons of gas. What is our future worth?


Faith Goldstein

West Annapolis