Another call for safety on San Antonio

In the ensuing weeks, according to City Manager Phil Rose, the issue of safety on San Antonio has been referred to the city’s traffic commission. We assume commissioners are working on plans to increase safety on this roadway as well as other locations.

Flashing light stripes embedded in the road, more signage and speed controls are among the possibilities for increasing pedestrian safety.

The city says it has no money for improvements. What else is new?

However, until a plan and funding for a permanent solution come forth, we believe a temporary solution exists at little or no cost to the city.

As we pointed out in a June 22 editorial, painting warning signage at the downtown San Antonio intersections can be done now and would be effective. We repeat the photo showing what another city did to cope with a similar problem. We see no reason not to proceed.

Avoid even an appearance of conflict

Whether or not it was a true conflict of interest, the governor did the right thing. He withdrew from the agreement, forfeiting several million dollars.

Conflicts of interest by public figures are hard to measure, but even the appearance of a conflict of interest needs to be avoided.

Closer to home, a member of the Los Altos Planning Commission has been accused of a conflict of interest due to investment in a proposed condo development on Distel Drive and El Camino Real. While the commissioner has rightfully recused herself during project discussions, again, the appearance of conflict needs to be avoided by those who choose to serve on city boards.

Consequently, at least two councilmembers are drawing up an ethics resolution for consideration in dealing with the issue.

While we do not support the assumption that any wrongdoing has occurred in the current situation, it is a good idea in coming years for those in public service be clear about what the public could consider conflicts of interest which can taint government in general.