Over the last year the price of gas has gone up and down plus or minus 20 or 30 cents at the drop of a hat, thanks to factors totally out of our control.
We put up with it, as we must. What I don't get is the upheaval from many of my fellow Minnesotans in opposing a trifle 5-cent increase per gallon to fix, once and for all, our crumbling roads and bridges. Which would we rather have? A nickel increase per gallon (which happens at the drop of a dime, or, the free-fall feeling of going down to our doom from an unrepaired bridge? Can you say, "No brainer"?
MICHAEL BEFUS, BLAINE
Help out the muddle-headed on Hiawatha Avenue This is my plea for better signage on Hiawatha Avenue. I've been driving this road daily for the past six months and have seen countless confused drivers who, I'd guess, are trying to find their way to the airport.
Since there's just one small sign around 54th Street, it's not uncommon to see drivers weaving between lanes as they try to decide which will be the correct one. Other times I've watched drivers simply stop in the middle of the street, I guess to think about it for a while.
This bone-headed behavior is beyond the scope of my simple plea but I certainly hope something is in the works to help out these confused drivers, some of whom are probably visitors. How about a big overhead sign pointing out which lane takes folks to the airport and the Mendota Bridge? Maybe we can scavenge a wee bit of money from the state's 150th birthday party I've been reading about. It would be easily justified in the improved traffic flow and public safety, not to mention a happier final impression for those people leaving our fair city.
KATHERINE BROWN, MINNEAPOLIS
Ellison is on the right track I fully support U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison in his efforts to establish a Department of Peace ("Trip to Norway inspires Ellison to seek a Peace Department," Jan. 15). Please keep up the good work, Congressman, because I can't believe that anyone could, in their right mind, oppose this wonderful idea.