Alderman votes to uphold ordinance

To the editor:Recently there has been some issue over the extension of Shawn Drive. I feel compelled to explain my vote to not abandon Shawn Drive. I believe everyone should be treated the same. This vote was in the best interest of the entire city, not one neighborhood, not one developer, not one individual. I voted my conscience for the betterment of Jackson.

It is a constant request of citizens to improve traffic flow. The ordinance reads: "The arrangement of streets in new subdivisions shall make provisions for the continuation of the principal existing streets in adjoining areas (or other proper projections where adjoining land is not subdivided)." This same board of aldermen passed this ordinance on July 1, 2002, because of this very problem: developers not putting streets in alignment from one subdivision to another, resulting in difficult traffic situations. If people believe this ordinance is obsolete, then we need to revisit the ordinance, not make an exception.

I have taken the alderman's oath of office seven times. I solemnly swore to uphold "the ordinances of the city of Jackson and that I will faithfully and truthfully demean myself while in office, so help me God." I am proud of my vote, and I will stand by it again. I will not waver from what is right to do what seems popular. I hope the citizens of Jackson can respect that. For the past 14 years I voted to protect the visions of this 193-year-old city, and I will continue to do so.

DAVE REIMINGER, Ward 2 Alderman, Jackson