| IT'S ALL ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY
By Bob Weaver
The National Speed Trap Exchange has listed Burnsville as a speed trap.
Calhoun and Gilmer County residents frequently pass through the small town at the intersection of State Rt. 5 and I-79, and many have been complaining about citations.
The Interstate connection is difficult to avoid, where access is provided north and south on I-79.
The National Speed Trap Exchange says the cash strapped town has taken to writing tickets, many on I-79 at the interchange where the town has jurisdiction.
The NSTE says on I-79 Southbound there is a very steep downhill grade, so even backing off the accelerator, a driver can easily top the speed limit.
The site says Burnsville officers can hide in the median, especially at night.
Glenville Democrat/Pathfinder editor David Corcoran recently wrote a column indicating the speed trap problem, saying he too had been ticketed, acknowledging he was going over the posted 35 mph limit on the straight stretch under the I-79 bridge.
Town officials have adamantly denied Burnsville is a speed trap.
The town appears to be grossing several thousand dollars a month with fines, Corcoran noted that the council just upped the salaries of mayor Paul Bratt and the town recorder by $2,000 each.
Much like WV's more famous speed traps, Summersville and Gauley Bridge, the ticketing is about public safety.
Anti-speed trap groups say one of the best ways to change such habits is to carefully avoid doing business in the town.
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