The fundamental purpose of every government is to protect its people. A young man was tragically killed on his motorcycle by a hit-and-run driver at an intersection notorious for danger (Pima & Cave Creek Rd). In addition to this historically unsafe intersection, I have personally experienced drivers going through the intersections of Mule Train Rd & Cave Creek Rd as well as Tom Darlington & Cave Creek Rd without stopping. And I know I’m not the only resident who’s experienced close calls like this. These three intersections have been dangerous for years, and they needed solutions (e.g., rotaries or lights) years ago.
Was the hit-and-run driver under the influence? The last MCSO report I read for Carefree documented 4-6 DUI citations per year (correct me if I’m wrong, Carefree Town Council). I also believe Carefree only contracts for part-time coverage (½ of an FTE) with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (correct me if I’m wrong, Carefree Town Council). Isn’t our safety worth at least one full-time MCSO deputy sheriff?
It is utterly unbelievable that the Town Council is seriously considering wasting $1.2M dollars on signs advertising Carefree while serious and important safety issues like these exist. In the bungled campaign to pass a property tax, “safety” was the foundational theme. However, safety was a strawman issue with our exceptional fire department. But safety is a real issue with regards to these dangerous intersections, lax DUI surveillance, and part-time law enforcement. The fundamental purpose of our local government is not signs. It’s safety!
Mike Davitt
Carefree
