LETTER: Hoppe shows courage for bicycle trail

Barbara Hoppe has vision. She takes the time and effort to carefully review and evaluate projects as Sixth Ward City Council representative. Rubber-stamping a project without regard to its planning wisdom, safety, expense and long-term use is not in the Columbia community’s best interest.

The first proposal for an east-west bicycle trail from Old 63 to the University and East Campus had glaring drawbacks. These included destroying environmentally-sensitive park and riparian area and two low-water bridges, as well as high expenses. There was no public input.

There is a need and demand for a safe east-west connector from the Shepard area to campus. Since the fall, Hoppe has been talking with a variety of residents and walking routes. A study group, convened with Hoppe’s support, is now carefully analyzing the first proposal and alternative routes. This process to find a better trail will be successful. Hoppe possesses the courage and foresight to forgo short-sighted results for real long-term solutions.

Vote for Barbara Hoppe on April 7.