It is important that the Stafford Transportation Commission be re-established as soon as possible in order for necessary local traffic improvements can move forward quickly and efficiently. While the Planning Commission should be cognizant of and responsible for regional transportation planning, it is foolish and counterproductive to burden them with additional, purely local district questions like placement of a stop sign, or speed limits for local roads. A Supervisor who sees something come before the Transportation Commission that has regional or land use issues can elevate its discussion to the Planning Commission or Supervisor level. These instances will be rare and exceptional.
The Transportation Commission performed a critical and necessary function for the safety and quality of life of our residents. They did a superb job with a difficult and time intensive task, especially since the integration of the Youth Driver Task Force and its study into its organization and processes.
The Transportation Commission should be re-established with its former organizational structure in place. I agree with Byron Hinton, the former (now) chairman of the Transportation Commission, who opposed the idea of adding two Supervisors to the Commission. Supervisors can presently attend meetings to support their constituents, but not as voting members. That feature allowed the Commission political independence and prevented strong-arming and micromanagement by Supervisors.
Supervisors, do your constituents a favor by staying responsive to their community transportation needs. Bring back the Transportation Commission.
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