Letters

All too often, we read letters and articles that are critical of our local, state and federal representatives and politicians.

We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and we tend to have very high expectations from our elected officials. We also live in one of the most expensive and highly taxed places in America.

For many in our local community, it is far too crowded, and traffic on our roadways has become a challenge to our way of life. Put on top of that poorly maintained roads, with potholes the size of the Grand Canyon, and you have the recipe for really frustrated drivers.

For instance, many who travel back and forth from New York City will tell you that the Long Island Expressway is a disaster. Somehow, as you leave the Midtown Tunnel heading east on Route 495, the road gets worse as you head east and is literally like dodging a minefield in Suffolk County.

How does a federal road with local, state and federal funding get particularly worse in one section in Suffolk County? I don’t know.

However, that is what makes the work done last week on State Route 114 so wonderful and appreciated. The work was done efficiently and effectively. They quickly dissected Route 114 into several segments and did them quickly and got through the tight and tricky spots through Sag Harbor, and the Division Street/Main Street intersection, and the bridge in just two days.

The New York State Department of Highways, or their contractor, deserves high praise for getting the road work completed so quickly and well. Hopefully, the finishing touches will be completed just as efficiently and effectively.

And, of course, none of this work would have been done without the diligence of Assemblyman Fred Thiele in securing the funding to get Route 114 completed, as well as other roadways here on the East End.

Wishing you all safe travels and a safe summer season on our beautiful new roadways. Have an “attitude of gratitude.”

Kevin L. McCrudden

Sag Harbor