Nordhausen favors action over talk

DALTON GARDENS — Rick Nordhausen said he is running for a seat on the Dalton Gardens City Council to replace discussion on issues with action on issues.

Nordhausen, who owns and operates Master's Fence Co. with his wife, Lori, has lived in Dalton Gardens for more than a decade. He told The Press he has considered running for city council in the past, but this is the first year where his schedule would allow him to fulfill the obligations of a councilman.

"I am just tired of a lot of talk and no action," Nordhausen said. "Nothing ever seems to get resolved and that just motived me to see if I can get in there and make something happen while maybe finding out why nothing is happening."

Two issues that, according to Nordhausen, have been discussed for years without answers are deer and traffic in the city. Nordhausen said although there's been an ordinance in place forbidding residents from feeding deer, it continues to happen to the point where the animals are now wired to come into town in search of food.

He added that he believes there should be a fine levied on people who are feeding deer. To figure out who is continuing to feed the animals, Nordhausen said he would recommend setting up an anonymous line where people can report others who are violating the ordinance.

"We'd pay them a visit and give them a warning," Nordhausen said. "Then we would check up on them unannounced a couple weeks later and, if they're still doing it, issue a fine."

The deer are creating a public safety issue, he said, because they could attract predatory animals to the community looking to get an easy meal.

"It's just a matter of time before they start coming into Dalton Gardens, if they aren't already, and the problem is then where humans can be injured or killed," Nordhausen said.

The rate of speed at which motorists travel through the city is another concern for Nordhausen. He said the speed limit needs to be posted more thoroughly throughout the community so people know it is strictly enforced.

Nordhausen added that Dalton Gardens should also look into getting its own patrol officer for monitoring traffic and to have someone available nearby if there is an issue that comes up during the day.

"I have given each of these concerns a lot of thought and feel I can contribute some fresh ideas that will be successful," he said.