With school in session, safety is No. 1

Roger Purcell

Mayor's Corner

School is back in session. I am keenly aware of that fact as I lined up to drop my son off at school and observed a young driver speeding through the school safety zone.

For all of us, the safety of our children is the highest concern. As law enforcement agencies across the United States step up efforts to enforce the laws in school safety zones, Houston’s police officers will do their part on those schools serving Houston residents by running radar around Big Lake Elementary, and Houston junior and senior high schools. During the first morning of our increased efforts, 12 drivers were stopped and issued warnings, four of which were school staff members.

Please remember to slow down, obey the speed limits and drive responsibly, especially on all roads leading to and away from our schools.

Another safety measure to be implemented soon is the installation of overhead street lights at Kenlar/Hawk and Big Lake/Kenlar intersections. Matanuska Electric Association will install these lights in the next week or two. These two intersections have been too dangerous for years.

When the snow starts falling, Houston maintenance staff will begin plowing bus routes at three inches of snow. Our goal is to have all bus routes plowed before the first bus picks up our children each morning.

Temporarily, berms may be left in some driveways but the plowing is necessary for our children’s safety. For extra care removing snow from their driveways, assistance is available for our elderly, and those needing additional assistance due to long-term medical or emergency medical situations. Please make arrangements with our Public Works director at 892-6869.

While crime rates are decreasing in Houston, we are still concerned with the current crime rate. Establishing partnerships between law enforcement agencies, local businesses and our community members has proven to be an extremely effective strategy to combat crime.

One major step in this strategy is the establishment of a Neighborhood Watch Program. Houston will sponsor an organizational meeting for Neighborhood Watch on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. at Houston City Hall. This program will equip citizens to help in the fight against crime. Contact the Houston Police Department at 892-6447 or Council Member Lee Himes at 892-6869 for additional information.

We are moving into fall and winter months and with the change in season, great opportunities exist for fun with ATVs and snow machines. We encourage people to dress appropriately, wear DOT approved helmets, and observe safe operating rules. Remember, inexperience and powerful machines create dangerous situations. Brochures are available and may be obtained at the Houston Police Department, especially outlining under-age requirements.

By working together to make our homes and businesses safer, we can foster a wholesome attraction for new people who establish new homes and businesses and potentially create new local jobs.

As a parent, and as mayor, safety is my No. 1 priority.

Roger Purcell is the mayor of Houston.