Gwinnett Daily Post

coffeepuppet 1 year, 2 months ago on Duluth first in Gwinnett to have tobacco-free parks

Duluth first in Gwinnett to have tobacco-free parks

I like being able to go to a park, or anywhere for that matter, and without the smell cigarette smoke. I also understand the side of the smoker, having smoked for a number of years. But is this only a matter of smoking or tobacco? Is it second hand smoke or fresh air? My park, your park?

My wife has sinus trouble which is aggravated by the smoke. Also by perfume and cologne, cleaning products and anything else that has strong odors. We typically go out of our way to avoid some of these places. From time to time we stumble into one and we move on quickly as possible.

There are many other things that are offensive to some but not others. It was at the last Duluth Fall Festival were it seemed we were being followed by a man who did not know the power of his own body odor. He would bring tears to your eyes. Cigarette smoke would have been a relief.

Tobacco can be offensive to some, OK I get. But what is offensive to others? Language can be offensive; so maybe all conversation and hand signs should be banned at Duluth parks. Pets, to many people will not clean up after them, so they have to go. Food, snacks, and drinks; the packaging doesn't find it's way to the trash cans, sorry no more. That's why there are restaurants. And when I think of it, since smokers think the world is their ashtray. I don't mind if you smoke, but from now on filtered cigarettes should be a thing of the past. That would really help keep the parks and streets clean.

Sorry, but I think it is sad we need laws to make others mind us, because we won't mind our own business.

coffeepuppet 1 year, 2 months ago on 20 percent of HOT lane users don't pay toll

20 percent of HOT lane users don't pay toll

HOT lanes; not an extra lane, not a new lane. It was there and paid for already, then someone decide to make it an elite lane. A special place for those willing to pay again for what long time Gwinnettians had paid for. I've traveled 85 in Gwinnett for over 30 years and for the first time I cannot use every part of a public road.

I remind you, these lanes are not toll lanes available for anyone who chooses to pay. With 400, I can pay or take another route, my choice. But 400 can be utilized by all travelers if they wish to pay. The 85 HOT lanes are private membership only.

The vacationers passing through don't have the option, unless they plan in far advance to buy a Peach Pass. People who live in other parts of the state and cannot justify the need for a PP are left out. No longer are the vans and buses from other areas welcome. Georgia is really showing visitors the red carpet is not rolled out.

The rates vary. Who knows what it will cost each trip. Trust the signs, sorry because the rate changes again. There is not even an agreed contract price per trip, it can change by the mile. Also there is the confusion of HOT lane and HOV lanes. If you are not familiar with the location of each you may not utilize the HOV when available. Or continue to ride in the HOT lane have been legally in the HOV lane.

All of this has caused more backup on Buford Highway and Peachtree Industrial, because it no longer makes sense to get to 85.

Sure I understand the worth of my time, but when the state begins to double dip it's citizens we are all in trouble. This was never about easing traffic in Gwinnett. It was about revenue, just like red light cameras and radar. But I'll stop before going there.

coffeepuppet 1 year, 4 months ago on Which story do you think made the biggest impact on Gwinnett in 2011?

Which story do you think made the biggest impact on Gwinnett in 2011?

I say the HOT lanes,but not as a positive.

coffeepuppet 1 year, 5 months ago on NTSB recommends ban on driver cell phone use

NTSB recommends ban on driver cell phone use

If the NTSB feels that even talking on a hands free device is a distraction.

Then there should be a ban on eating while driving. Then of course you must ban smoking, CDs, IPods, even the radio since we get upset with the commentator or that song we hate or shed a tear over that sad news story. Wearing headphones is already illegal if I'm not mistaken; but how many people do that? How many drive with the newspaper, magazine or book on the steering wheel. What about shaving, and putting on make-up behind the wheel.

NTSB should ban non-family members from riding in the car since they would cause distracting conversation. But what about children; crying, fighting, very distracting.

Let's remove billboards, they're all distracting. Ban the guy out there enthusiastically waving his sign around.

Install new larger, easier to read signage for directions and identifying upcoming turns and such. Enforce the current laws we have.

There are many things to do if it's all about safety. But it's not about safety. It's about giving the government more control of our lives in more subtle ways, and it will produce revenue too.

coffeepuppet