Five Things in Rochester for Which I’d Use Facebook’s ‘Dislike’ Button

There are a ton of great things about living here in southeastern Minnesota, and I'm happy to call Rochester home. But seeing all the discussion about Facebook's new 'dislike' button got me thinking -- and venting -- about some things on which I'd like to use it here in the Med City.

1) The 60 MPH speed limit on Highway 52. Why does the speed limit drop down a mere five miles per hour just north of 55th St. NW until just south of Mayowood Rd? Does traffic moving five miles an hour less along that stretch of Highway 52 really make things that much safer? And, besides, traffic pretty much moves between 65 and 70 on that stretch, anyway. Dislike!

2) Roads that used to have four lanes that now just have one lane in each direction along with the middle turn lane. I'm talking here about that stretch of 2nd St SW between Highway 52 and West Circle Drive (now called 'Uptown') and the stretch of 7th St. NW between Valleyhigh Dr and 13th Av NW (running under Highway 52 and along the football field at John Marshall High School). Both these areas USED to have two lanes in each direction, but when roadwork was done recently, they now only have ONE lane in each direction. Whose bright idea was that?!? Are we looking to make traffic even more backed up? Because that's what has happened. Plus, each of those two roads eventually split back into four lanes anyway, so what was the point of putting those two stretches on a 'road diet,' as planners call it? Dislike!

3) Those traffic lights that turn red, even when there aren't any cars coming from the other direction. Have you ever had this happen to you? I've noticed it many times, especially along 4th St SW at the intersections of 4th and 5th Avenues. I've also had to stop -- even when there wasn't any traffic coming the other way --  at the lights along 2nd St at 11th Av SW. What possible point does the traffic light randomly (or so it seems) turning red serve? I get it when there is traffic coming from each street, but turning red for no apparent reason? What's up with that?!? Dislike!

4) Our constantly-rising property taxes, fees and utility rates. In just the last few weeks alone, we've heard news that Olmsted County is raising the tax levy by as much as 7 percent, the city of Rochester is raising theirs by as much as 8 percent, and RPU says it needs to increase its water rate, as well as the sewer rate. Oh, and let's not forget Rochester Public Schools also increasing their tax rate, as well as asking for a referendum for even MORE of our money. And, in the last few years Olmsted County sneakily added the "wheel fee" when you renew your tabs, too. I understand that it takes money to provide the services we all use, but the tax increases seem to be coming fast and furious, and way outpacing the meager increases in our incomes. Did you get an 8% raise last year? I didn't think so. Dislike!

5) Liquor stores not allowed to be open on Sundays.  I know, I know, this is not a Rochester issue -- it's a Minnesota state law -- but it still seems ridiculous, especially when our neighboring states allow liquor sales on Sunday. When I lived in Wisconsin, I didn't buy alcohol all that often on Sundays, but it was always convenient if I wanted to pick up a bottle of wine or maybe a 12-pack of my favorite beer. We do most of our grocery shopping on Sunday, so allowing Sunday liquor sales would eliminate an extra trip. Besides, why should the state mandate when a business can or cannot be open? (I know, car dealerships can't be open on Sundays, either -- which also doesn't make any sense.)

Again, I really like living here in Rochester. It's a great place with a fantastic quality of life. A few tweaks would make it even better! What would YOU use Facebook's 'dislike' button on?