From Talahassee.com
Walking and cycling advocates on Monday shared their request for the city of Tallahassee and Leon County to hire experts who can help make the community friendlier for people who get around on wheels or on foot.
John Harvey, chairman of the Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency’s Multimodal Advisory Committee, presented a resolution from the committee to the agency’s voting body. The resolution, which the agency did not vote on, calls for both governments to hire coordinators within their public works departments.
“We need someone at the implementation level,” Harvey said. “Having someone actually with the engineers is key.”
Aaron Bauldree, a Tallahassee Community College student who rides 20 miles a day, showed his support.
“I’m out on those roads riding my bicycle every day,” he told the agency, which is made up of elected officials from Leon, Gadsden and Wakulla counties.
But commissioners pointed out that hiring more staff would be tough when local governments are facing budget shortfalls. Tallahassee City Commissioner Debbie Lightsey said the city manager is even considering eliminating filled positions.
“As much as I sympathize with the request,” she said, “I just don’t see how it’s possible.”
Other commissioners suggested moving staff around, but Harvey said people with experience would be needed to make a difference.
“To do this right requires a skill-set,” he said. “I would like to see a nationwide search for top-level talent to fill such a position.”
