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Main Street Bridge
Your comment dismissing cost overruns on the Main Street Bridge confirms Mayor Mike Coleman’s recent statement in the Dispatch that future generations of Central Ohioans won’t care how much the bridge cost [Upfront—September].
Both comments ignore the fact that money spent on the bridge to cover cost overruns had to be taken from somewhere else when actual cost exceeded the budget by $30 million to $40 million on that one project alone. In addition, implications for the rest of the capital improvement program are profound. How much are we spending programwide for similar mismanagement and ineptness?
In this time of economic downturn, citizens need to hold elected and appointed officials responsible for proper stewardship of public funds, not accept 300 percent cost overruns on standard public works projects. Capital program management tools exist that make such overruns inexcusable. Citizens need to remember the bridge project the next time city officials ask for a tax increase.
Lee Martin, AIA
Columbus
Alzheimer’s
Thank you and congratulations on an important and moving article about Richard and Gloria Groat’s journey with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease [“Fading away”—September].
The article brought to light the challenges of an accurate diagnosis of Alzhei-mer’s disease and the need to see a medical professional qualified to detect the disease.
Gloria’s recommendation to caregivers for financial and legal planning and to seek the assistance of support groups and community resources is tremendously valuable. A caregiver’s need to “think two steps ahead,” as Gloria put it, is not always a natural instinct, but can be learned through education programs provided by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Caregiver support groups and services offered for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are just a part of the resources available in Central Ohio. The Alzheimer’s Association’s education and support services can be accessed through a 24/7 helpline at (800) 272-3900.
Greg Winslow
CEO, Alzheimer’s Association, Central Ohio Chapter
