I moved to The Villages because I liked everything about it and I appreciated the fact that it was uniform in its commitment to quality, safety and lifestyle. When I voted for my board representatives it was with the understanding that they would continue to support what has made this place so great. I attended a number of the discussions about the proposal to add center and side lines and I approached it with an open mind. I heard the consulting engineer testify about the importance of maintaining consistency throughout The Villages and his “strong” recommendation that the path NOT be lined because its use is not limited to golf carts. I recognized that the initial poll conducted by the POA was leading and biased in it’s application and limited in its response but all subsequent polls revealed that the residents are overwhelmingly against the use of the lines. I listened to discussions about the liability associated with going rogue in combination with the fact that a review of accident data does not support the need for the lines. I was comforted when I heard my District 8 representative on the study committee assure everyone that my district would conform with the Village wide practice and he acknowledged that we all benefit when we have “uniform” standards.
NEEDLESS TO SAY I WAS SHOCKED TO DISCOVER THAT 3 OF MY REPRESENTATIVES CHOSE TO DISREGARD ALL OF THE FACTS AND WING IT ON THEIR OWN!
Those of us that attended the meetings know that the primary driver was not the issue of the cost but the fact that it was contrary to expert opinion, unnecessary and potentially dangerous to walkers, bikers, skaters and, in time, a significant maintenance problem. The reckless decision by Mr. Ray, Mr. Torname and Mr. Banks will create a liability risk for all of us who live in District 8 and I am outraged that they would be so cavalier in their approach to such a serious subject. I have heard numerous residents express a need to explore a recall of these gentlemen because of their willingness to take apart the things that most of us admire about this special place. I would support such an action!
There is still time to go back and review all of the information related to this subject and reconsider the fact that the testimony given in the “advertised” meetings was overwhelmingly opposed to the project! Do your job and get this right!
Roland C. Loranger is a resident of Community Development District 8.
