Traffic Light Request Gets A Quick Response

Like most citizens, I used to be a skeptic when it came to dealing with local government offices. I assumed that an ordinary person couldn’t get through the gantlet of voice mail and secretaries I assumed would greet me when I called the numbers in the “blue pages” of the phone book.

But, pessimistically, I tried anyway - and was very pleasantly surprised at the result.

I live in the Valley near Saltese and McDonald, long a confusing and dangerous intersection. For years, a blinking light has flashed red on McDonald, but yellow for the traffic on Saltese.

Many motorists on McDonald have believed this was a four-way stop, and pulled out in front of oncoming traffic, causing many accidents and more close calls.

After one particularly harrowing near-miss, I decided to call the county and voice my concerns and suggestions.

I was able to talk with Chris Reich in the county Engineering Department. He promised to have a traffic study done to examine the issue.

I thanked him, but privately thought, “Sure, that’ll never happen.”

Was I surprised when I discovered cables across the two roads a few weeks later! The traffic study was really happening.

This was satisfying, but it got better.

After the cables were removed, I received a call from Chris. He explained that he was going to recommend a four-way stop, but that it had to go through a few other people in his office, then be approved by the board. I was so impressed that he still had my name and number, and had taken the time to keep me informed.

This whole experience was definitely not what I expected when I made that first call.

The new signs have been approved. As I drive down Saltese and stop at the now-safer intersection with McDonald, I can’t help but feel some pride in my accomplishment, and in Chris and the Engineering Department of Spokane County.

The system can work, and we citizens can make a difference in our communities. It takes only that first step or phone call to start your impact.

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