MLGW clearcuts ROW on Monroe Street

Many years ago, in the City of Herington, Kansas, the Rock Island Railroad was "King". If I recall correctly, over 50% of the City adults were employed by "the Rock".

The Rock Island Railroad declared bankruptcy and all of the Herington residents faced unemployment.

Obviously the Rock Island Railroad Station had strong emotional significant to the Herington residents, and, even in the face of unemployment from what was a considered a high-paying, stable job, residents banded together to save the Rock Island Railroad Station and put it on the Historical Register.

One night-literally in the middle of the night=the Rock Island Railroad demolished the Rock Island Railroad Station which had such significance for the residents of Herington.

I was reminded of this when, on Wednesday, February 27, MLGW "clear cut" a stretch of Monroe Street to install new electric lines without any regard or consideration for Lakeland residents and our concern about maintaining our trees and natural resources.

To make matters worse, they left the road littered with bark and tree debris leaving a dangerous situation for Lakeland motorists.

We realize MLGW has to install their electric lines. However, in this case, Natural Resource Director Eric Bridges and Natural Resources Technician Nick Bridgeman had been working with MLGW for several months to help select an alternative route which would be less intrusive on the environment.

Overall, I think MLGW provides excellent service at reasonable rates. I also have found that most MLGW personnel are dedicated to their job provide outstanding service, and many have worked with us to help conserve our natural resources that are significant to Lakeland residents.

I am disappointed that MLGW-which apparently is accountable to no-one-would proceed in this manner. In this case, Eric and Nick (and David Smith) have worked with MLGW on possible alternatives, which appeared to be less costly.

What I find very disturbing is comments by MLGW that Mayor Carmichael or I approved this action. We did not approve this action. I would feel much better if MLGW had just said "we don't care what Lakeland thinks" and proceeded rather than stating or attempting to hint in any way that their action had been approved.

At least the Rock Island Railroad didn't attempt to say any city officials had approved the action and they didn't even bother to apologize. They did clean up their mess.