Dartmouth turns off the lights?

So whatever. As we all know Dartmouth has no money and they now have to tighten up the purse strings in order to make ends meet.

The latest hairbrain idea is to turn off between 1,100 and 1,200 streetlights in order to save $85,000. *ruh-roh*

You can read the article from SouthCoastToday Here.

Does this make sense to anyone? I mean the streetlights were put there for a reason, mainly, umm SAFETY. I grew up in Dartmouth and I know all too well how narrow and winding some of those roads are. Even with the streetlights on navigating some of those back roads after dark is quite the chore.

Once Fall rolls in, it gets dark between 4PM and 5PM, otherwise known as rush hour. Kids and parents are on the roads getting home from school, work, or events. Now, they will take their lives into their own hands praying that all other Dartmouth citizens slow the fuck down and drive safely. What are the chances of that happening?

How many lives are worth $85,000? I know I will think twice about driving into Dartmouth after dark.

*note to self - tell Mom Christmas Eve is at my house, where we have streetlights*

Before I go, I have an idea. Why don't Dartmouth officials stop coming up with these petty, punishing ideas (because that's really what this is - punishment for the override failure), and do some real work to cut costs. Such as bidding out the health care, you know something you haven't done in 10 years. Or getting rid of the archaic pensions and move to 401K's like every other responsible entity on the planet has.

Oh, and the best way to save money would be to stop creating cushy jobs within the school department for your family and friends. Move out of the way, the gravy train has run out of steam.

- SouthCoast blogger