Letter: Mayors should focus on bridge, not triathlon

Before the finger pointing gets too out of hand, it's worth reminding all that Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner did present viable alternative routes for the Ironman triathlon -- ones that would not have effectively shut the bridge down, while also leaving residents access to Sunday morning churches.

He also came fully prepared to the semi-public meeting held to force his acceptance of the wish list from the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton mayors.

There, it was interesting how Hilton Head Mayor David Bennett waved off the "who would fund the cost" question.

While the mayor wouldn't let any numbers get in the way of his idea, my guess is the cost of the 240 public safety workers Tanner said would be needed is somewhere near $500,000.

Here's a better idea: Let's get town leaders focused on the absolute need for a second bridge to Hilton Head, replacing the current overaged one, with greater safety and access.

Frank Mangan

Hilton Head Island

This story was originally published December 29, 2015 at 6:30 PM with the headline "Letter: Mayors should focus on bridge, not triathlon."