Letters to the editor

Letter to the editor,
I just returned from a vacation on July 18 and am now catching up on my Register reading. I wish to comment on an editorial written on July 15 concerning electrical power lines versus our trees. Yes, it is important to protect our overhead power lines by trimming and sometimes butchering our trees. I would like to suggest that consideration be given to burying power lines whenever possible even though I know it is expensive. I know it is technically possible as it is done in new construction. It would be a big capital outlay but it would save money in the long run on the annual tree trimming. In short, I will have to come down in favor of trees when there is a possibility of putting electricity underground. They would be immune to storms as are our natural gas lines. No money need be spent repairing overhead lines if they are buried, another cost saving. It takes years to grow a decent shade tree. Let’s give them a better chance when it’s a question of cutting up our valuable shade trees or relocating the electric lines.
Paul Zirjacks,
 Iola, Kan.

To the editor,
I’ve been reading the lola Register’s coverage of the city council’s discussion concerning cell phone usage while in a moving vehicle vs. accident rates, with considerable interest.
Some of you know me, and some do not. I am a retired career law enforcement officer who, during the 40 years of my career, had occasion to investigate over a thousand motor vehicle accidents. I did not keep percentages or numbers back then, but I clearly remember that when cell phones became easily available and relatively inexpensive, the accident rate (largely due to distracted driving) skyrocketed.
From an accident prevention viewpoint, I heartily approve of the idea of totally forbidding any and all cell phone usage from a moving vehicle. I believe that many people are incapable of handling the necessary divided attention required to drive and talk at the same time. And TEXT messaging is even worse.
If there’s a provision outlawing operation of any and all electronic devices in any moving vehicle, included in any new cell phone ordinance, it would immediately find itself in direct conflict with standing federal rules and regulations. Like all other communications modes and methods in the U.S.A., the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) exercises total control over all types of radio, TV, and any other electronics communications. The FCC is divided into several different areas of interest, depending on the type of emissions used, problems encountered, etc.
Examples of these areas include local government, aeronautical, business, amateur, and many others. Many of the various services depend upon radios mounted in vehicles, in order to keep in touch with their personnel and conduct business properly. FCC rules permit this.
One such area deals with amateur radio. It has been in existence for over 100 years, and mobile operation has been fully approved by the FCC ever since its inception, in the 1930s. Amateur radio is a completely different “breed of cat,” so to speak, from the (possibly) more familiar citizen’s band. A license is required, obtainable only by passing a written exam, and amateurs (commonly called “hams”) enjoy much broader operating privileges. Currently there are over 700,000 licensed hams in the United States.
The previously mentioned conflict that the city of Iola would run into by trying to outlaw the operation of all types of electronic devices in a moving vehicle is due to the fact that the FCC has already approved the operation of most types of in-motion mobile radio, and federal low applies.
There are about 20 to 30 licensed amateur radio operators here in Allen county, plus an organized club. Anyone wanting to know more about amateur radio is invited to get in touch with me.
Ralph Romig,
Iola, Kan.