Editor:
I have noted with interest the matter before the West Bountiful City Council, in regards to the proposed silencing of the train whistles on the Union Pacific line.
First of all, I would like to know if the persons who are requesting the above-mentioned silencing, purchased, or arranged to have their homes built, at midnight, with no moon, and a massive power outage.
I too live near the U.P. tracks, and I knew they were there when I bought my home, as well as next to the Holly/Phillips refinery. My home has enough charm, that the close proximity of these two issues were worth putting up with.
Next issue, with the train whistles. First of all, there has been one of the supposedly "stupid proof" traffic islands installed on 500 South.
People still run around the arms. The signal arms are mechanical. Mechanical things are not fool proof. Sometimes the arms get stuck down, people go around. The problem is, sometimes there is a train coming. It is impossible to look down the tracks and tell if a train is stopped, or is traveling at 70 mph. Yes, 70 mph. I have seen what happens when a train strikes a vehicle. Perhaps the concerned residents would like to come to my house and look at the pictures. It is not pleasant.
Just last Friday, West Bountiful police were called to investigate an incident where the arms did not come down, causing a narrow miss with a terrified motorist.
I, like all mothers, have the ability to hear a flatulent fly at 100 yards, however the only time the trains do bother me is when they DON'T whistle.
If Iwere to follow their line of thinking, maybe I should request that 5th South be closed, Holly/Phillips move, and the train tracks be relocated out past Antelope Island.
Everyone wants the trains and trucks out of sight, but when you go to the grocery store, after filling your car up with gas, to get the diet Pepsi, Pampers and Oreos, maybe a rethink is in order.
Katie Atkin
West Bountiful