Dear Editor:
Earlier this month, the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone set box office records in the United States by grossing more than 200 million dollars. That astronomical number probably represents more than 6 million automobile trips to get to the “magic realm” fantasy world at thousands of neighborhood theaters.
As President of the New Jersey Asphalt Pavement Association, an entity that is devoted to the preservation and maintenance of our roadways, it occurs to me that we all have a responsibility to see that those theatergoers have smooth, safe roads in the real world of 21st century New Jersey. I am also sure that the same public anxious to invest $200 million for a few hours of theatrical entertainment would urge their political leaders to invest like amounts for a long term use of their roadway and bridges in New Jersey.
The Harry Potter phenomenon grabs our imagination and helps encourage our youth to read. It expands our horizons. Perhaps we need similar approach to public policy issues that are too long neglected. Using our imagination and creativity to stir the public resolve to reduce congestion can make it possible to drive to that next 24-screen “blockbuster” in comfort and safety.
I strongly encourage everyone to make his or her voice heard by contacting State leaders. Urge them to make greater investments in our roads. Call 800-792-8630 or use our website www.njapa.com to determine who your legislators are. Our mobility, our patience and even our sanity are being sorely tested by “Pot” holes and “Harry” traffic conditions on poorly maintained highways. The workforce has to get to their jobs, the goods have to get to the stores and our families need to get to their movies. We need good roads!
John Post
New Jersey Asphalt Pavement Association