Letters to the Editor

>Fenced-in bridge

Brad Bogard wants us to warm up to the idea of having black vinyl fencing put on the pedestrian level of the Washington Avenue Bridge ("University should improve bridge safety," Feb. 7). After doing a little research of The Minnesota Daily's archives, I found that there has only been one case reported of someone falling/jumping from the bridge in the last 10 years. That case was a woman who jumped on Sept. 4, 2006 into the river. Had these fences been in place at the time, they would have done no good as the woman jumped from the driving level of the bridge, not the pedestrian level. If someone really wants to jump from the bridge, they could simply walk along Washington Avenue and jump off the driving level, or go to one of the many other bridges or buildings that are nearby.

As far as limiting "the number of guards that must stand out in the cold at night patrolling," I don't see a fence doing that. The guards would be tasked with making sure people aren't vandalizing or climbing the fence. The overall look of the University would be changed as the flags on top of the bridge wouldn't be seen any longer because of the big black cage that encloses the bridge and takes away from the view.

He also mentioned the possibility of a corporate sponsor to offset the expensive bridge. Why don't we get sponsors for other things as well. We'll be home of "TCF Stadium" and "Target Skywalk" and take the "Wal-Mart Connector" between the two campuses of the "University of Best Buy - Minnesota Campus."

Brad says he wants to make the school a safer place. Then why isn't he doing presentations on laws requiring motorcyclists and/or moped riders to wear helmets on campus? He could even lobby for putting a better fence on the driving level of the bridge since that's the only place someone has fallen/jumped off in the past ten years. He might also want to look into putting a fence along the roads on campus so people won't accidentally trip and fall in front of a bus.

Jeremy Reem

University Student

I want to take a moment to thank those in power, namely the MSA Facilities, Housing and Transit Committee, for being the voice of reason when ideas like security fencing on the Washington Avenue Bridge are brought to the table. The cost - $180,000 - is not prohibitive, on this campus of million-dollar sidewalks, lavish faculty offices and wanton waste of resources. Rather, the idea is without merit. The guard rails on the bridge are perfectly capable of retaining reasonable adults, which, believe it or not, include each student on this campus. Not only would higher fencing be an eyesore, a likely subject of vandalism and an impediment to a beautiful view, but it would do very little to prevent suicide - a goal that is at the very least futile, but more properly a waste of time and resources. Is the bridge an "attractive nuisance" that must be stopped? No. The real nuisance in question is people who feel the need to childproof the urban landscape and masquerade this operation as an increase in safety.

Levi Glennie

University undergraduate

Finally, someone is looking out for those of us who need a helping hand on a drunken night. Cost should be no issue for a great fence to separate us from the ugliness of the river, what better way to spend $180,000. I am much more enthralled by the landscape of skyscrapers that rise above our concrete jungle. One could probably climb over a fence, why not a solid enclosure to totally block out any risk? This would also serve as a sun block preventing skin cancer!

I also love the idea of a corporate sponsor, not that I don't mind paying more for such needed expenditures as safety fencing or flat screen televisions in the classrooms. Our campus lacks observable advertising. Not enough is done to expose the students to essential material goods and services in our community. We as consumers need to be better informed of what in the retail world could make our lives more enjoyable. Most of my University compadres have lots of money left over after paying our modest tuition, and what would be a better way to keep the economy going? Borrow to spend, the government does it, right?

Let me enjoy my peaceful walk across the bridge. The river is the one truly beautiful thing on our campus. Not to be harsh, but accidents happen. I am deeply sorry for anyone that has lost a loved one from an unfortunate accident, but when will our society stop the incessant need to "protect" each other. As adults, we must be allowed to make our own decisions in all aspects of our lives. If not, where is the line drawn between freedom and protection?

 I will surmise that more students and community members would be harmed by the construction of a fence on the Washington Avenue Bridge than those that would suffer an untimely "accident." We need nature in our lives, this is why I live in and love Minnesota. We need less corporate sponsorship, less needless spending and less interference into our personal lives.

The University's sole obligation is to provide students with an affordable and competitive education. Why don't we focus on that?

Jake Gundry

University student