The true fear about attending Iowa City High

In response to Coralville Councilman John Lundell's public statements citing safety concerns with school redistricting scenario 4F: People talk as though the only way to get to City High School in Iowa City runs through I-80 and that I-80 is a death trap.

I argue that I-80 is not the preferred route to get to City High and if there are concerns that future construction on Dubuque Street narrows it down to one lane, I suggest those who would take this route go to bed earlier so that they can get up in time to make it to school. There are alternatives to I-80 that don't require high-speed travel or as great a distance.

What about Hills' students using Highway 218 to get to West High at 65 mph? Let's not forget that students living in the far north of I-80 might be tempted to use I-380 south to Melrose to get to West High, potentially traveling at high rates of speed.

The true fear is that any student north of I-80 would travel and attend City High.

As for Mr. Lundell's pessimistic view on parenting, it is a sad day when an elected official tells us not to expect children to listen to their parents. Safety concerns are legitimate issues, but safety should not be a code word for something else.

Phil Hemingway

Iowa City