Petition drive for bridge vote continues
By Donna Comella

Petitioners say they are not against rehabilitating and opening the East Aveune bridge - they just don't want to own it.

Since the village board voted to accept ownership of the bridge in October, several citizens have been gathering signatures to petition for a vote on the matter.

North Main St. resident Tom Furfaro is one of the people spearheading the petition campaign. And although he thinks village fathers "forgot to get in touch with grass roots voters" on the issue, he doesn't want the petitions to become political.

"I don't want this to be us against them. I don't want there to be an A Team and a B Team," says Furfaro. "In fact, I invite (village board members) to walk with me when I poll the neighborhoods."

Furfaro sees the petition drive as part of the democratic process, a way to give the decision to the voters. He says that even people who want the village to assume ownership have signed the petition, because they believe the question should be put to a vote.

"More and more people have a growing appreciation for what's at stake here," says Furfaro, adding, "Now, we just need worker bees."

As time runs out on the filing deadline, Furfaro asks that all those who would like to sign a petition, have questions, or would like to become involved contact him at 331-6049, or one of the following:

Keith Benjamin (or Karen) at 331-4390; Dick Darrow at 331-5005; Mike Rynearson (day) 331-2525 (or stop at Farrell's); Art Moyer 331-1468; or Tom Burm 331-3542.

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