To the editor:

I am writing to protest the recent Webster County Board of Supervisors’ vote to close the east fork of North Seventh Street/National Avenue where it joins with D14. This is a road our family uses every day to get to and from work and school and areas of north central Fort Dodge. Many other citizens in our neighborhood feel the same way. I realize that there was a small article in The Messenger about the potential closure, but I don’t think many were aware of it or given the opportunity to express their opinion. The board refused to consider a motion to table the vote temporarily so more information on the road’s use could be gathered.

Why is this road being closed?

It has not required any maintenance in the 14 years we have lived on our property other than snow removal. The county engineer projected at the board meeting that it would take at least $12,000 to tear up the road. Costs to maintain it are nominal at best. This is not how I want my tax money spent, to destroy a perfectly good road I and many others use every day.

Though the vote has been taken, if you have an opinion on this issue, please contact the Webster County supervisors, the county auditor’s office, or the zoning and planning commission. It is not right for elected officials to ignore the will of the majority of their constituents. More people spoke up opposing the road closure than the single person who requested it. More time should be taken to determine if this road closure is what is truly wanted and needed by the public and not someone’s arbitrary decision.

Kim Shimkat DVM

Fort Dodge