Commentary: Too many people are driving too fast in Shelton

I think NASCAR is missing some of its drivers. However, I believe they are alive and well here in Shelton. If you know a NASCAR scout, let them know on any weekend they can easily find the next NASCAR Sprint Car champion somewhere within our city limits. While campaigning, I recently was out walking on Ripton, East Village, Maple, Soundview and many of the streets that connect and empty onto these main thoroughfares. I was able to observe some skilled driving at speeds 20 to 40 mph above the speed limit, and some while texting, eating, disciplining children and using the phone. Our police department is overwhelmed and is under-staffed by 30 members if we ever wanted to truly enforce the speed limits. The department does not have the staffing to patrol all our raceway roads. Drivers need to be responsible for slowing down to keep everyone safe. Keeping school children safe I bring this up because the 2013-14 school year is only three weeks old and our most precious young citizens need to be protected while they are coming and going to school. Whether they are passengers in a personal vehicle or have just exited one of our new propane buses and are headed for home on foot, the driving public needs to slow down. Please be careful as you drive on city streets, especially when the roads are slick in the early morning and when we start to get the cold rains of fall and then snow in the winter. Check your tires for warn treads and proper inflation. Displaying street addresses You may have read that the four aldermanic wards in Shelton have been revised to more evenly distribute the voting population throughout the city. You can see the new maps and find out if your home is in a different ward by visiting cityofshelton.org or by calling the Registrar of Voters Office. As I walk through the newly expanded First Ward to meet new constituents, I find myself struggling to find addresses and homes that are partially — or not marked at all — with their street number(s). It may not seem important as we all know, or should know, how to find our way home but when you call 9-1-1 the ambulance crews, police, fire and other emergency responders may not be specifically familiar with your homes address. Shelton emergency responders are very good at what they do and they are ready, willing and able to come out day or night, no matter the weather to assist you. Provide them with well placed, reflective and large numbers on mailboxes and homes so that they can respond without hesitation. The numbers should not be covered by vegetation, missing one or more numbers, or be painted over the color of the house. Every minute first responders are delayed getting to the right address can be critical in an emergency situation. Signs of progress The downtown Riverwalk will be upgraded this fall with a new section being added near the Avalon Bay project, and emergency vehicles will be able to access the walk. The Bridgeport Avenue corridor is still growing with new restaurants and other specialty shops. Don't forget Wednesday is National Hamburger Day. The Shelton Community Center adjacent to the Huntington Green has just reopened its pool after several weeks of extensive remodeling and painting. A new committee to study the deer population in Shelton was appointed by the Board of Alderman last Thursday. Shelton continues to grow and prosper because even in these tough times our City Hall staff and administration, along with the insightfulness and creative thinking by many citizens who sit on boards, commissions and committees, are always there to serve you. I take my hat off to all of them and thank them for their service — especially to those who give their time freely and many times when they could be home with their families. Remember to attend Shelton Day And don't forget to come downtown on Shelton Day on Sunday, Oct. 6. The entertainment, food and fun will go from 10 a.m-5 p.m. Oh yeah, for a small donation, you might get a chance to try to dunk some brave city employees and elected officials at the Boy Scouts of America dunk tank. Anthony F. Simonetti is chairman of the Shelton Republican Town Committee.

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