Get burned up over N.J. DOT's waste of road brine
To the Editor:
Here we are again. Winter in South Jersey, 2012, warmer than usual not that I am complaining about the mild winter rain predicted, with forecast lows in the mid-30s. Then the state highway department wastes more taxpayer money by brining the roads.
I am all about keeping our roads clear of snow and ice, nice and safe, but what the heck is going on? Who is being held accountable for such wasteful decisions?
I am sure that brine is cheap and effective, but what about the labor cost, the fuel wasted and the unnecessary hydrocarbons released into the atmosphere? Is it just me, or is this another careless waste of our money?
All that salt is going to be washed down into the street drains, right into local fresh water tributaries, not to mention all over our cars.
I know that some elected officials were caught off guard with some snow we got last winter, but make-up calls dont work in sports or highway safety.
I brought this up at work on Feb. 18, the last time there was useless brining, and I heard, If they dont use it up and spend the money, they wont get allocated enough next winter.
Really? Does salt have a shelf life that I was not aware of? Are the drivers going to quit their high-paying jobs because they did not get enough overtime your money, folks this winter?
It is that ideology that propagates such wasteful spending at much larger government levels. This waste must stop! This is why successful businessmen, not lawyers, should be elected.
I am sure if enough of us ask our elected officials why the roads are wastefully prepared for ice and snow, when the road surfaces are well above freezing and only rain is predicted, someone will have to answer.
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Get burned up over N.J. DOT's waste of road brine