TX Representative Stan Gerdes posted the other day how wonderful it is that the traffic lights will now be eliminated on 71 up to Tucker Hill (McDonalds near Travis County). It’s been funded. That’s great for all the commuters, but what about those of us who live off 71?
In a shocking exchange on Facebook, it’s obvious to even the most casual observer that our representative has never been to our neighborhood. He’s never had to leave anyone’s house on the Old 71, in River Crossing, in Double Eagle or The Forest at Colorado Crossing.
He couldn’t have even looked at a map before responding because he assured me that the lights would remain under the new overpasses.
So what? The 2 exits from Old 71 have no lights. Nor do they have access to a lighted intersection… anywhere!
I’ve personally met with TXDot, along with representatives from Old 71 neighborhood HOAs. I’ve attended public meetings and years ago, made suggestions. All to deaf ears. I’m not going to rehash what I wrote in my comment on Facebook but suffice it say, we’re stuck.
Representation requires understanding the situation and the complaint. Representation requires some study before response. Rep Gerdes knows me, knows my background. We’ve worked on a bill together and he knows I spent 8 years on a planning board and have dealt with significant traffic issues. To so cavalierly answer the concern of thousands of constituents is unacceptable.
He has an open invitation to visit my house at his convenience. And, I still look forward to a response as to how people who live here are supposed to get to Bastrop without risking our lives pulling out into 70mph+ traffic, not once, but twice…. once headed west, and then from the turn-around by Berdoll’s heading east.