News
September 16, 2025
Marolt: We can’t fix traffic problems until we address the root cause
I got suckered into a “Let me buy you a cup of coffee” debate. It’s a known hazard for small-town newspaper columnists. It’s not about the coffee.
**Marolt: We can’t fix traffic problems until we address the root cause**
Local columnist Marolt recently found himself embroiled in a familiar small-town predicament: the "Let me buy you a cup of coffee" debate. As he wryly notes, it’s a common occupational hazard for those penning words in community newspapers. But, as Marolt emphasizes, the offer of coffee is rarely about the beverage itself. It's often a gateway to a deeper conversation, a chance to air grievances, or, in this instance, to dissect the persistent traffic woes plaguing the town.
Marolt's recent coffee-fueled discussion centered on the ever-increasing congestion on Main Street and the surrounding arteries. Residents have been vocal about their frustrations, citing delays, increased commute times, and the general disruption to daily life. While quick-fix solutions like synchronized traffic lights and minor road widening have been proposed, Marolt argues that these are merely band-aids on a much larger wound.
"We can tweak the timing of the lights, we can add a turning lane here and there, but until we address the fundamental reasons *why* we have so much traffic, we're just spinning our wheels," Marolt stated in his latest column. He believes the root cause lies deeper than just the number of cars on the road.
He suggests examining factors like the town's rapid population growth, the lack of adequate public transportation options, and the increasing reliance on personal vehicles. He also points to the limited availability of affordable housing near employment centers, forcing many residents to commute long distances.
Marolt urges the community to move beyond superficial solutions and engage in a more comprehensive analysis of the underlying issues. He believes that only by understanding the true drivers of traffic congestion can the town develop effective and sustainable strategies to alleviate the problem. He challenges local leaders and residents alike to participate in a meaningful dialogue, moving beyond the immediate symptoms to address the core challenges facing the community. The coffee may be finished, but the conversation, Marolt hopes, is just beginning.
Local columnist Marolt recently found himself embroiled in a familiar small-town predicament: the "Let me buy you a cup of coffee" debate. As he wryly notes, it’s a common occupational hazard for those penning words in community newspapers. But, as Marolt emphasizes, the offer of coffee is rarely about the beverage itself. It's often a gateway to a deeper conversation, a chance to air grievances, or, in this instance, to dissect the persistent traffic woes plaguing the town.
Marolt's recent coffee-fueled discussion centered on the ever-increasing congestion on Main Street and the surrounding arteries. Residents have been vocal about their frustrations, citing delays, increased commute times, and the general disruption to daily life. While quick-fix solutions like synchronized traffic lights and minor road widening have been proposed, Marolt argues that these are merely band-aids on a much larger wound.
"We can tweak the timing of the lights, we can add a turning lane here and there, but until we address the fundamental reasons *why* we have so much traffic, we're just spinning our wheels," Marolt stated in his latest column. He believes the root cause lies deeper than just the number of cars on the road.
He suggests examining factors like the town's rapid population growth, the lack of adequate public transportation options, and the increasing reliance on personal vehicles. He also points to the limited availability of affordable housing near employment centers, forcing many residents to commute long distances.
Marolt urges the community to move beyond superficial solutions and engage in a more comprehensive analysis of the underlying issues. He believes that only by understanding the true drivers of traffic congestion can the town develop effective and sustainable strategies to alleviate the problem. He challenges local leaders and residents alike to participate in a meaningful dialogue, moving beyond the immediate symptoms to address the core challenges facing the community. The coffee may be finished, but the conversation, Marolt hopes, is just beginning.
Category:
Politics