It was Emma’s turn to share something about her weekend. She scrunched up her 6-year-old face, carefully interpreting her grownup’s breakfast chat.
“Well,” she began, “my Mom went to this meeting . . . about this highway . . . that’s going to be in our front yard! Why would we want a highway in our front yard?”
I’ve been processing this conversation for a while now. “Why would we want a highway in our front yard?”
I haven’t heard one positive reason for this ACCESS program expansion through Norman. The data on traffic is flawed. The data on environmental studies doesn’t exist. The unwillingness for the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to share specifics with the public has paralyzed life decisions... move, upgrade properties, sell, wait it out... it’s an agonizing space in which to live.
Each licensed engineer takes a pledge to uphold professional standards, serve humanity and act ethically with a commitment to public safety and welfare. Yet, our homes and properties are disregarded as right-of-way, our untamed rural landscape is ignored as best route, and our cries over pollution are all pushed aside as mitigation.
Can engineers hired for this proposed toll road uphold their oath, protect our welfare and consider the conflicts of interest in which this project is steeped?
Does a pledge or oath of integrity have any merit these days?
Respectfully,
Julie Sondag
Southeast Norman resident
