To elected officials, law enforcement, and residents of Greene County,
I would like to address what I consider to be “a quality of life issue” which has been in the local news over the past months- the use of engine brakes.
I have lived along Highway 4 since 1979. We enjoy the proximity to the many services which we find within walking distance of our home- almost everything we need for our daily lives.
During those nearly four decades, we have witnessed a great increase in the amount of traffic and the noise that goes with it. Highway 4 has become a major link between the newly expanded Highway 20 to the north and I-80 to the south. We are not opposed to the increased commerce and accessibility for agricultural and transport vehicles. However, due to the increase of confinement operations to our north and the logical route to the processing plants to our south, as well as the many delivery semis and OTR vehicles passing through, we have noticed the lack of enforcement of the engine brake ordinances in our county.
Some local residents have attempted to get elected officials to put some teeth into these policies, but because of the small number of complaints, these concerns were dismissed. I am very sorry I have not spoken up earlier.
When large heavy vehicles must come to a stop a few feet from people’s homes, the use of engine brakes causes the windows to rattle and leaves items hung on walls askew. Conversations must stop and the TV has to be put on “closed caption”. How is this issue any different than the very important work being done to minimize the impact of train whistles or the enforcement of ordinances for disturbing the peace such as loud music and barking dogs?
Sometimes when people feel they are not being listened to, they feel desperate enough to take the law into their own hands. There has been enough violence and frustration in our country.
I ask that we pull together to work for reasonable enforcement of all laws which keep our communities enjoyable and safe. My husband and I have invested our adult lives in Greene County and live here by choice. Please reconsider passing, posting and enforcing the engine brakes ordinances as other communities all over the state and nation have done.
In the words of my grandfather, “You know the right thing to do, now go do it.”
Sincerely, Jan Rosdail-Aegerter, Jefferson
