Scrap redesign, fix downtown

Denise Baratta's photograph in the Dec. 19 paper ("Council adds Hwy. 66 to redesign") makes it perfectly clear what the first step in the visual improvement of Ashland should be: removal of the telephone poles. Or is this too obvious?

In regard to the redesign of the area in general, it's a bit like locking the barn door after the horse has been stolen. Both Ashland Street and Siskiyou Boulevard are visual messes, and the whole area would have to be reconstructed before we see much difference.Supposedly the city has to spend the money because it's "free," but this does seem wasteful.

I would rather see all the time and effort go into improving the ambiance of our downtown where there is still real opportunity for significant changes.

Jack Hardesty

Ashland