Importance of safety

[Chris Cooney]

As Director, Web Communications for the University of Idaho my top priority is creating an inviting online community that encourages prospective students to engage the University and ultimlately increase our enrollment. Enrollment numbers at UI have been down in recent years and the University has invested considerable resource toward reversing this trend.

National surveys of prospective college students show that "safety" is one of the top 5 priorities for parents when choosing a school for their child. The communities of Pullman and Moscow themselves provide a relatively crime free, supportive and safe environment. However, the Moscow-Pullman Highway that connects these two communities is not safe, with one of the highest auto accident fatality rates in the region. Planned development along this route and the accompanying traffic will further degrade the situation.

During the Winter months, I am and will continue to use the bus as my primary mode of transportation from Pullman to my job at the University of Idaho. Taking the bus is convenient, environmentally friendly and enjoyable. It is a welcome benefit to being an employee of the University and one I would be willing to pay for in order to keep the service running.

I am very much aware of the current financial situation at the University of Idaho and understand the need to set priorities. However, the issue of safety will not go away in this route. This is an opportunity for the U of I to prioritize and support student, faculty and staff safety. I would be open to a solution to the financial issue that would require faculty and staff to contribute to this service.

The Wheatland bus service is the best solution for both the individuals who use it and the community it serves.

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Chris Cooney

Director, Web Communications

University of Idaho

208.885.4295