The unfortunate and tragic death of a resident here in Frankfort on May 8, 2017, as the result of a horrific and avoidable car accident has resonated deeply with me and has caused me to write this letter. The bottom line is that this tragedy should never have transpired.

The speed, carelessness, recklessness and disregard for life that exists on the roadways in Waldo County is shocking to me. As a resident of Frankfort, not only do I operate my own automobile on the roads here, but as a triathlete I also run and ride a bicycle. The speed at which drivers navigate the highways and bi-ways of this area is absolutely criminal.

However, the larger question is one of enforcement. Where, I ask, are the Sheriff’s deputies and the State Police troopers to ensure that drivers simply obey the law? Over the years, I have sent emails to the Waldo County Sheriff’s department and have asked them to please patrol more frequently and enforce the existing laws. Only a week or two before the aforementioned crash, I spoke with a State Police trooper at the Frankfort Fire Station and asked him to please monitor this area more often. The calamity that has caused me to write took place less than a mile from whereupon we spoke.

I understand the logistical challenges and monetary restraints of patrolling and enforcing. However, the corridor in which I reside, I refer to as the "wild west" - as there is no respect for the law here. Drivers pay no heed to speed limits, act in a disrespectful manner by utilizing cellular telephones and callously disregard the lives of those with whom they share the road. The reason, as I have concluded, is these same drivers intuitively understand there is virtually no enforcement, few speed checks and scant police presence. As a result, these ne'er-do-wells cater to their selfish, dangerous and barbarous acts behind the wheel – hence the "wild west" reference.

To date in 2017, two have been killed on the roads here in spectacular catastrophes, less than a mile from where I reside. What more does it take for law enforcement to realize there is a problem? Now, by no means am I attempting to besmirch the reputation, honor or efforts of the law enforcement officers. They are wonderful stewards of our community that generally possess the qualities, characteristics and judgment that help to protect us all. I applaud them and have great respect for them. However, if their directive is to do what they have always done – we are going to get what we have always gotten – or worse.

This situation is clearly one of life and death. Whether it be you, your neighbor or one of your family members — this issue has obviously become one of critical importance to all of us. It doesn't have to be this way. Why, when I leave my house, do I have to possess the sinking notion that I might not return because another might kill me as a result of their seeming disdain for life and law?

As a taxpayer and citizen, you should be asking yourself the same question. The lawlessness, disrespect and insolence I witness daily on the roadways here causes me to recall the words regarding the social contract theory of influential 17th century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes. He helped define what constitutes a civil society: "No arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear, and danger of violent death: and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short." (from Leviathan
1651)

Thomas K. Stewart lives in Frankfort